New Delhi, Aug. 18 -- INDIANAPOLIS - Shane Steichen spent seven of Keenan Allen's first eight professional seasons in Los Angeles quietly building the offensive vocabulary they both still speak fluently. On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts made that shared language an investment worth up to $8.32 million.

The Colts agreed to terms with Allen on a one-year contract, bringing a six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver into a situation that needed him urgently. NFL insider Jordan Schultz was first to report the agreement via Fox Sports. Allen, 34 and entering his 14th season, is not the kind of receiver a team signs for upside. The Colts signed him because the known quantity is what they needed.

The situation that made Allen necessary took most of th...