49ers Acquire DeForest Buckner From Colts

The Indianapolis Colts traded DT DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick. The 49ers traded Buckner to the Colts in 2020.

Buckner will become a free agent in the offseason, but the 49ers are looking to make a strong push at a Super Bowl run if they can stay healthy, and acquiring a former pro-bowler for a fourth-round pick seemed like a no-brainer, especially with the love that GM John Lynch has expressed towards Buckner, who said trading him away to the Colts was the toughest decision of his career.

Star guard Quenton Nelson was also recently traded to the Seattle Seahawks, so the Colts are in full rebuild mode. The deal isn’t terrible for them either, with Buckner unlikely to re-sign at the end of the year anyway.

It seems unlikely this will be it for the Colts now that two major moves have been made, on top of their recent move at the top, firing long-term GM Chris Ballard, citing “necessary change” after a disappointing last few seasons, and especially after their start in 2025.

Buckner has 11 tackles and four sacks so far this year. He earned one of his three Pro Bowl selections with the 49ers in 2018.

San Francisco’s defensive line has dealt with injuries at every position. Four players, Andrew Farmer II, Alfred Collins, C.J. West and Sam Okuayinonu, are all on the IR. Buckner will go straight to the top of the depth chart.

The 49ers have let seasons slip over the years due to injury. Their star offensive players, though, have dealt with injuries but have avoided anything major or long-term so far. Injuries, and possibly other moves, will remain key if the 49ers are going to finally get it done with this core.