Grading Keenan Allen to Colts free agent signing

In need of a boost at the wide receiver position, the Indianapolis Colts reportedly signed veteran free agent Keenan Allen.

So let's grade this move.

For the Colts, this addition makes so much sense. For one, Allen has a proven track record of production. Entering his 14th season, he is a six-time Pro Bowler and eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark six times, most recently in 2023.

Last season, he didn't hit 1,000 yards, but Allen, 34, was still productive, totaling 777 yards with four scores.

Following the departure of Michael Pittman earlier this offseason, the Colts' receiver depth has been in question, and the need has been further heightened in training camp with Alec Pierce out.

Originally competing for the WR3 role were Ashton Dulin, Laquon Treadwell, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, with Dulin seemingly the front-runner for those snaps. However, this trio has dealt with inconsistency in training camp and struggled to get open at times.

Allen can step in and immediately fill a Pittman-like role in the offense as a high-target option in the passing game, who attacks the short to intermediate levels of the field. Allen's familiarity with Shane Steichen and his offense should help him hit the ground running as well.

And with the Colts having north of $31 million in cap space prior to this signing, according to Over the Cap, Allen's reported one-year deal worth up to $8.32 million with incentives is very digestible.

In a variety of ways, this addition was an obvious one. The Colts don't need Allen to be a high-volume target with Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren, but he can be if needed. He provides stability to a position that was searching for that element, and his contract doesn't break the salary cap bank by any means.

Final grade: A-

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Grading Keenan Allen to Colts free agent signing