49ers' John Lynch Reveals Initial WR Trade Target Before Pivoting to Keenan Allen at NFL Deadline

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch explained that the team initially showed interest in wide receiver Josh Downs on the trade market before ultimately acquiring veteran Keenan Allen ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

"We kind of focused on Josh Downs as an option that we'd have some interest," Lynch said Thursday during a radio appearance on KNBR, via David Bonilla of 49ers Web Zone. "And Kyle and I are kind of watching Josh, and in the process, Kyle's like, 'Man, what about Keenan?' And I was like, 'You know, we hadn't given much thought to that, but let me ask about that.'

"And so, there started a conversation about two and a half weeks ago, really, when the DeForest talks [happened]. 'Would he?' And it's always fluid, and at a certain time, they didn't want to give up Keenan. It kind of wasn't going to be on the table, but we kept communicating, and ultimately we got him."

The 49ers acquired Allen from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick on Tuesday.

Downs, who was also a member of the Colts prior to the deadline, was eventually sent to the Kansas City Chiefs. Indianapolis received a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder in return.

San Francisco was able to acquire Allen at a relatively cheaper price, as the six-time Pro Bowler is nine years older than Downs.

Allen was still productive to open his 2026 campaign with Indianapolis, hauling in 40 receptions for 351 yards and one touchdown in eight games.

He'll join a 49ers receiving corps that has dealt with injuries to several contributors this year including Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Christian Kirk, De'Zhaun Stribling and Ricky Pearsall.

As for Downs, he caught 33 passes for 354 yards and one score prior to the change of scenery.