Full Breakdown
49ers Eye Return of Former Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner
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Trade Talk Heats Up as Deadline Approaches
The San Francisco 49ers entered the season 5-0 and have already cycled through 15 defensive linemen because of injuries. Analysts say the team could look to add former Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner before the NFL trading deadline on Nov. 10. Buckner, now with the Indianapolis Colts, is in the final year of a $26.6 million contract and has $23 million remaining on the cap.
How Buckner Got Here
San Francisco drafted Buckner seventh overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent his first four seasons (2016-2019) with the 49ers, posting 28.5 sacks and 263 combined tackles, including a career-high 12 sacks in 2018. In 2020 the 49ers traded him to the Colts for a first-round pick that became defensive end Javon Kinlaw. Since joining Indianapolis, Buckner has recorded four sacks and 26 tackles in six games this season, leading the team with 19 quarterback pressures. The Colts sit 2-4 after a 26-20 loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans, and they dismissed general manager Chris Ballard on Monday.
Numbers at a Glance
- 49ers record: 5-0; defensive line usage: 15 players.
- Buckner stats (Colts, 2023): 4 sacks, 26 tackles, 19 pressures in 6 games.
- Colts record: 2-4; cap hit for Buckner: $26.6 million total, $23 million remaining.
- Potential trade cost: speculation ranges from a mid-round draft pick to a fourth-rounder.
Official Statements & Responses
Lee Chan of Heavy highlighted the 49ers’ cap flexibility, stating the team “has room” to absorb Buckner’s $26.6 million salary.
His comments were amplified on social media, where 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk replied with a two-word Instagram pitch: “Come home.”
Gaps in the Trade Picture
Public speculation varies on what the 49ers would need to give up. Some analysts suggest a mid-round pick, while others argue a fourth-rounder might be sufficient. No concrete offer has been reported, leaving the exact price and timing of a potential deal unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now, the 49ers would almost certainly be a team that would be interested in acquiring Buckner before the Nov. 10 NFL trading deadline. Due to injuries, the 49ers already have used 15 different defensive linemen. And, yes, they absolutely could use Buckner on their defensive line in the second half of the season,” — Matt Maiocco
- “Could the 49ers work it out? Could they get him for half a season? I don’t know,” — Lee Chan
- “They love DeForest in Santa Clara,” — Lee Chan
- “Khalil Mack is on a one-year, $18 million deal, fully guaranteed,” — Lee Chan
What’s Next
The NFL’s trade deadline on Nov. 10 will determine whether the 49ers can secure Buckner for the latter half of the season. If a deal materializes, the veteran could bolster a defensive front that currently lacks a high-end interior pass rusher while Nick Bosa recovers from a calf strain. If not, the 49ers must rely on existing depth and upcoming draft assets to sustain their early-season momentum.