- May 21, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Photo: U.S. Customs and Border Protection via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. Team logos via ESPN.
The San Francisco 49ers have brought defensive tackle DeForest Buckner home, trading a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts on October 27.
Buckner, drafted seventh overall by San Francisco in 2016, spent the past six-plus seasons in Indianapolis before requesting a trade to a contender. He got his wish — and the reunion he wanted.
"I didn't want to go anywhere else," Buckner said. "This is where I wanted to be."
Seven players remain from the 49ers' Super Bowl LIV team, including George Kittle, Kyle Juszczyk, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw and Deebo Samuel Sr. That core actively recruited Buckner back. Bosa floated the trade idea to Kyle Shanahan months ago; Kittle and Juszczyk stayed in contact throughout.
The need is real. San Francisco ranks second-worst in pressure rate when rushing four. Buckner's 4.0 sacks this season would lead the team. He also brings leadership for a thin tackle group hit by injuries to Alfred Collins and C.J. West.
Buckner wears No. 99 again after West gave it up. Sunday against the Raiders marks his first 49ers game since February 2020.
Mickey's Angle: The Niners are betting that chemistry and a proven interior presence can fix a pass rush that has underwhelmed — but Buckner alone won't solve everything if Bosa's calf keeps him limited.
Source: ESPN - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.