49ers Send 2027 Pick to Colts for DeForest Buckner

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch sent a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday to acquire defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.

The trade brings Buckner back to the team that selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Lynch described the original 2020 move to Indianapolis as the toughest decision of his tenure. Since then, the 49ers have struggled to replicate Buckner's impact on the defensive line, relying on players like Javon Kinlaw, Javon Hargrave, and Maliek Collins without achieving the same level of consistency.

The 49ers currently hold a 6-1 record. The decision to move now stems from multiple factors, including a lack of consistent pass rush generation and a series of injuries on the defensive front. Buckner, who expressed frustration with his situation in Indianapolis on social media in October, now joins a roster where veteran presence is a priority. Tight end George Kittle, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, and offensive tackle Trent Williams have been vocal supporters of bringing Buckner home, with Juszczyk commenting "Come home" on a post featuring the defensive tackle.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said the team is using its bye week to evaluate the roster with the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaching. He identified receiver and defensive line as the two most obvious areas of need following a loss in Atlanta where the defense recorded zero sacks. The team is also monitoring the health of several key players, including edge rusher Nick Bosa, who is recovering from a calf injury, and wide receiver Mike Evans, who has Achilles tendinitis. Other players, such as C.J. West and Demarcus Robinson, are also on the injury report.

Williams, who turns 38 this year, said the veteran core is open to trading top draft picks if the right opportunity arises. He noted that players often view draft picks as a gamble, whereas front offices see them as part of a larger long-term plan. "As a player, you don't know how they value draft picks, but nobody in here ever values draft picks because we look at them as being a gamble," Williams said. "For us [players], you always want the proven product. But it's a happy medium .. I don't look at it the same way they look at it. They look at it in a whole picture view."

The 49ers are not limiting their search to the defensive line. Shanahan said the team is looking at wide receivers as well. Players such as Brian Thomas Jr., Jerry Jeudy, and Josh Downs are among those who could be available for less than a premium draft pick. Downs, in particular, requested a trade from the Colts on Wednesday. The team is also watching the market for edge rushers like Khalil Mack, Will McDonald IV, Josh Sweat, and Yaya Diaby.

Lynch has a history of making major moves during the season, having acquired Williams in 2020 and Christian McCaffrey in 2022. The 49ers could potentially target a superstar like Maxx Crosby or Garrett Wilson, though such deals would likely require multiple first-round picks. Shanahan said the team will assess its needs as players return from injury, noting that the odds of everyone staying healthy are low. "We would love to just stockpile some players in case some people get hurt going forward because the odds are people do .. You've got to kind of see where you're at and try to guess the future," Shanahan said.

The 49ers return to action against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9. Shanahan said the team has a chance to get several injured players back in time for that game, but is not guaranteed to have them. Buckner, who has missed only 14 games in 10 seasons, is expected to provide immediate depth to a pass rush that ranks 31st in the NFL in pressure rate when rushing four players.