The San Francisco 49ers shook up the NFL trade deadline by acquiring veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts for a 2027 sixth-round pick. That move immediately sparked one obvious question across the league: Can Allen peacefully share a locker room with new teammate Mike Evans?
Six years ago, the two star pass catchers traded barbs on social media over the 2020 NFL Top 100 rankings. Voters placed Tyreek Hill at No. 22, Evans at No. 30, Chris Godwin at No. 38 and Allen down at No. 77. Allen fired back online, insisting none of those receivers topped his route-running separation. Evans quickly clapped back, telling Allen to “be realistic” because he wasn't on his level.
Fast forward to 2026, and both veterans now wear red and gold. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Allen laughed off the old drama and gave his fellow six-time Pro Bowler plenty of respect.
“We squashed it a long time ago,” Allen said. “Everybody wants to bring it back up, obviously. But no, Mike's a hell of a player. He's probably better than me at this point.”
"Oh yeah, we squashed it a long time ago. Everybody wants to bring it back up… He's probably better than me at this point."
Keenan Allen reveals whether he and Mike Evans have put their beef behind them 😅
(via @grantcohn)
pic.twitter.com/63VNlSp3x5— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 11, 2026
Both players still bring serious production to San Francisco's offense. Through eight games with Indianapolis this season, including Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Allen hauled in 40 catches for 351 yards and one touchdown. Across his 14-year career, he has racked up 1,095 receptions, 12,402 yards and 71 touchdowns.
Evans, meanwhile, has posted 27 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns in six appearances for the 49ers this year. A right Achilles injury has sidelined him since San Francisco's 23-17 Week 6 win over the Washington Commanders, but his career resume boasts 893 catches, 13,472 yards and 111 touchdowns over 13 seasons.
Once Evans returns to the field, the 49ers will feature two proven playmakers who care far more about chasing a championship than reliving old tweets.