Multiple reports say the San Francisco 49ers are acquiring Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, reuniting with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. In exchange, the 49ers will send Indianapolis a 2027 fourth-round draft pick.
Reunion! The Colts are trading three-time Pro Bowl DL DeForest Buckner to the 49ers for a 2027 fourth-round pick, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports.
Buckner came to San Francisco as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2016. A decade later, he's back. pic.twitter.com/glOiRBXldq
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 27, 2026
Tom Pelissero reports the 49ers will pay the $7.944 million remaining on Buckner's contract this year, with the defensive tackle set to become a free agent in 2027.
The 49ers will pay the $7.944 million left on DeForest Buckner's contract this year. He's set to be a free agent in March. https://t.co/xIN8zZVVP9
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 27, 2026
The move comes after the Colts sent All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks, improving the NFC West rival's roster.
The 49ers have dealt with injuries across multiple positions this season, including along the defensive line, where their depth has taken a hit. Despite those challenges, San Francisco is 6-1, with its only loss coming against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7.
During a Tuesday-morning radio interview, general manager John Lynch was asked if fans can expect a trade soon.
"We shall see," Lynch responded. "We're working hard, just investigating everything that's out there, and we'll see. If we can help this team—I've said it many times—and help this team get where we are intending to get, then absolutely, we won't hesitate."
Buckner spent his first four NFL seasons with the 49ers before being traded to the Colts in 2020. During his time in San Francisco, he recorded 28.5 sacks and established himself as one of the league's top interior defensive linemen.
The veteran defensive tackle has expressed frustration in recent weeks over Indianapolis' continued struggles. The Colts are 2-5 and have lost three consecutive games.
Through seven games this season, Buckner has recorded 31 tackles, four tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, four sacks, three passes defensed, and one fumble recovery.
Over his NFL career, Buckner has totaled 683 tackles, 101 tackles for loss, 196 quarterback hits, 75.5 sacks, 31 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns. He has earned three Pro Bowl selections, one first-team All-Pro selection, and one second-team All-Pro selection.
Buckner's return would give the 49ers a proven interior pass rusher and provide a significant boost to a defensive line that has struggled to stay healthy. His familiarity with the organization could also help ease his transition back to San Francisco as the team looks to strengthen its roster for a playoff push.
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