Six years after letting him go, San Francisco has brought one of its defensive cornerstones home. And the timing could not be better for a team with Super Bowl hopes.
The San Francisco 49ers acquired DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, in exchange for a pick in the fourth round of the 2027 draft.
Why did the 49ers trade for DeForest Buckner?
San Francisco’s defensive line has been hit hard by injuries. Tackles Alfred Collins, C.J. West and James Thompson Jr. and ends Nick Bosa and Sam Okuayinonu have missed all or most of the season.
The 49ers pressured Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. on just three of his 34 dropbacks in Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. They have generated pressure on 23% of plays when rushing four or fewer, the second worst rate in the NFL, according to Research.
DeForest Buckner has four sacks this season, more than any 49ers player through seven weeks. He will start at tackle alongside Osa Odighizuwa.
Why is this trade a homecoming?
San Francisco drafted Buckner seventh overall in 2016, and he spent four seasons with the team. The 49ers traded him to the Colts for a pick in the first round after their 2019 Super Bowl run, when he was due a major contract extension.
The 49ers general manager has called that trade the most difficult decision of his 10 years on the job. On Tuesday, he reversed it. Bringing him back cost far less than the 49ers received for him.
Buckner joins receiver Deebo Samuel and linebacker Dre Greenlaw as key players who left San Francisco and later returned in pursuit of a Super Bowl title. The 49ers have six wins and one loss.
Why did the Colts let DeForest Buckner go?
Buckner, 32, is in the final year of his contract and set to become a free agent. Had he left in free agency, the most the Colts could have received was a compensatory pick in the fifth round of the 2028 draft, because he has played 11 seasons. The trade got them a better pick a year sooner.
It was the Colts’ second big trade with an NFC West team Tuesday. Indianapolis also sent Quenton Nelson, a guard with eight Pro Bowl selections, to the Seattle Seahawks. The moves suggest the Colts are beginning a rebuild.
Buckner appeared frustrated after the Colts’ third straight loss Sunday, at the Minnesota Vikings. Asked about the team’s struggles, he snapped at a reporter, saying he was frustrated because they lost. Asked what needed to change, he said he could not say.
He had stayed loyal to Indianapolis through years of collapses late in the season, signing multiple extensions and backing the roster built by the team’s former general manager, who has since been fired.
How good is DeForest Buckner?
DeForest Buckner has made three Pro Bowls. Since entering the league in 2016, he is one of only four players with at least 75 sacks and 25 batted passes, along with T.J. Watt, Cameron Jordan and Chris Jones.
He was tied with Adetomiwa Adebawore for the Colts’ team lead in sacks at the time of the trade. He has remained productive even as Indianapolis struggled.
What does the trade mean for San Francisco?
The 49ers are focused on winning now. Adding DeForest Buckner gives them a proven interior pass rusher as they chase a championship.
For DeForest Buckner, the trade offers a fresh start with a contender and a chance to finish what he started in San Francisco. The trade deadline is approaching, and more moves could follow around the league.
