DeForest Buckner returns to the bay.
The 49ers – who traded Buckner to Indianapolis in 2020 – have agreed to acquire Buckner from the Colts, according to multiple reports.
Indianapolis will receive a 2027 fourth-round pick to complete the deal.
Although Buckner is in his 11th season, he is still very productive on the interior of the defensive line. He has recorded 4.0 sacks with four tackles for loss and eight QB hits so far in 2026. He also has three passes defensed and a fumble recovery.
The No. 7 pick in the 2016 draft out of Oregon, Buckner was a key part of San Francisco’s defense over his first four seasons, helping the club advance to Super Bowl LIV to cap off the 2019 season. He recorded 12.0 sacks for the 49ers in 2018 and 7.5 sacks for the club in 2019.
He was traded to the Colts after his fourth season, with Indianapolis signing him to a second long-term contract.
In Buckner’s 158 career games, he has 75.5 sacks, 101 tackles for loss and 196 QB hits.
Buckner has been visibly frustrated by the Colts’ losses in recent weeks. With his contract expiring, it’s no surprise he was transferred.
This is the second high-profile trade of the day from the Colts, who previously dealt guard Quenton Nelson to the Seahawks.
Gn sports
