DeForest Buckner Returns to 49ers: Colts Trade Star DT for 2027 Fourth-Round Pick

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 a report. Buckner, a first-round pick by the 49ers in 2016, returns to the team where he began his NFL career and earned All-Pro honors. The move gives San Francisco a proven interior disruptor to bolster their defensive line, while Indianapolis gains future draft capital and salary cap relief. The trade reunites Buckner with a familiar scheme and coaching staff, potentially elevating the 49ers' pass rush and run defense. For the Colts, the deal signals a roster reset as they continue to reshape their defense. Buckner's impact on both franchises will be closely watched in the upcoming season.