The Indianapolis Colts have traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick, according to ESPN. The move reunites Buckner with the team that selected him seventh overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Buckner, 32, spent four seasons with the 49ers (2016-2019) before being traded to the Colts ahead of the 2020 season. A three-time Pro Bowler, he has recorded 31 combined tackles, four sacks, and three pass breakups in seven games this season. Over his 11-year career, he has amassed 683 combined tackles, 101 tackles for loss, 75.5 sacks, 31 pass deflections, nine forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns in 158 games (153 starts).
49ers tight end George Kittle celebrated the reunion on social media. Buckner joins a defensive line that includes Osa Odighizuwa, Mykel Williams, Fred Warner, and Nick Bosa, who is currently sidelined with a calf injury. San Francisco's defense ranks fourth in total yards allowed (299.3 per game) and fifth in rushing yards allowed (89.0 per game), with only three rushing touchdowns allowed, tied for the league best.
The Colts, currently 2-5 and second in the AFC South, recently fired general manager Chris Ballard. The trade is part of a roster overhaul that also saw guard Quenton Nelson dealt to the Seattle Seahawks. The two moves netted Indianapolis three draft picks (two in 2027, one in 2028) and cleared over $17.7 million in salary cap space. Running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Josh Downs are also mentioned as potential trade candidates.
The 49ers sit at 6-1, leading the NFC West, and will face the Las Vegas Raiders on November 8.
