The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for the 2026 season with a reshaped receiving group after adding veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen on a one-year deal. The six-time Pro Bowl selection brings 13 years of NFL experience to an offense looking to build on its strong stretch last season.
Allen’s arrival comes as Josh Downs enters the final year of his rookie contract. The 2023 third-round pick had been positioned for an expanded role after Indianapolis traded wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Adonai Mitchell to the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets, respectively. That made the Colts’ decision to add another established receiver an important development for the offense.
Josh Downs Sees Keenan Allen as a Boost, Not a Threat
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs
Josh Downs made it clear that he views Keenan Allen’s arrival as an opportunity to improve rather than a threat to his role.
James Boyd wrote in “The Athletic” that “after Thursday’s joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons, Downs said, ‘I feel like the more weapons you have, the better it can be (for me).”
Downs had already shown his respect for Allen shortly after the signing. During a conversation with the veteran, Downs told him, “I got a lot of my s– from you,” reflecting how much he has studied Allen’s game.
The two receivers also worked through route-running and coverage concepts together.
Downs said he is excited to learn from Allen, particularly because of the veteran’s experience and success on third downs.
“I’m excited to have Keenan on the team now,” Downs said. “Keenan’s so big on third down, but that’s been my (expletive), too. You put both of us on the field, I’m getting true one-on-one most of the time. They gotta respect that.”
Allen only participated in a handful of team drills on Thursday, but Downs made an impact. He impressed during one-on-one work and nearly made a key third-down catch late in an 11-on-11 situation.
Instead, Falcons cornerback A.J. Woods was flagged for defensive pass interference, resulting in a 40-yard penalty.
Keenan Allen Could Strengthen the Indianapolis Colts’ Passing Game
Downs believes Allen can complement the Colts’ other receivers rather than take opportunities away from them. He pointed to the possibility of playing alongside Allen and Alec Pierce, creating multiple threats for opposing defenses.
“(We’ll) be a good complement to each other,” Downs said of Allen’s potential effect on Indianapolis’ pass-catchers. “I feel like he’s a guy who’s done it over and over again.”
Allen has more than 1,000 career receptions and has recorded at least 65 catches, 700 receiving yards and four touchdowns in each of his last nine seasons.
His experience could give the Colts another reliable option in the short- to intermediate-range areas of the field and on third down.
Tight end Mo Alie-Cox also praised the addition, saying Allen “fits into our offense perfect.”
Alie-Cox noted that the Colts have previously used Allen’s routes as teaching material, making his presence in the receiver room an opportunity for younger players to learn directly from him.
The Colts are coming off a season in which their offense was among the league’s most productive through 10 weeks.
Quarterback Daniel Jones has also looked comfortable during training camp as he continues his return from an Achilles injury.
With Allen joining Downs and Pierce, Indianapolis now has another experienced option as it prepares for the season.
For Downs, the focus is on using that added competition and experience to make the offense more dangerous.
Josh Downs Reveals Real Feelings on Keenan Allen Signing