The San Francisco 49ers needed a receiver. They found one with more than 1,000 career catches.

San Francisco is acquiring Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick, according to reports Tuesday. It is the second trade between the two teams in three weeks after the 49ers brought back defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on Oct. 27.

Allen, 34, leads the Colts with 40 catches this season. The six-time Pro Bowler has 1,095 career receptions, eighth-most in NFL history and seven shy of passing Cris Carter for seventh.

A banged-up room

Injuries have hit the 49ers' receivers all year. Ricky Pearsall went on injured reserve after knee surgery in training camp. Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson, De'Zhaun Stribling and Christian Kirk have all missed time too.

Robinson returned last week and Samuel is set to practice on Wednesday. Evans and Stribling are still working back. Second-year receiver Jordan Watkins has stepped up, catching four passes for 86 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders on Sunday.

Veterans everywhere

Allen fits right into an offense built around experience. The 49ers lead the league in offensive snaps and touchdowns from players 30 or older this season.

Only five players age 33 or older have topped 300 receiving yards this year. San Francisco now has three of them in Allen, Evans and tight end George Kittle.

Close to home

The deal is a homecoming of sorts. Allen played college football at Cal, just across the bay.

The Colts keep selling after trading Buckner and guard Quenton Nelson. If Allen suits up Sunday in Dallas, he will face the Cowboys for the second straight week after catching four passes against them in Week 9.