DeForest Buckner is headed back to the Bay.
The 49ers — who traded Buckner to Indianapolis back in 2020 — have agreed to acquire Buckner from the Colts, according to multiple reports.
Indianapolis will receive a 2027 fourth-round pick to complete the deal.
While Buckner is in his 11th season, he’s still plenty productive from the interior of the defensive line. He’s recorded 4.0 sacks with four tackles for loss and eight QB hits so far in 2026. He’s also tallied three passes defensed and a fumble recovery.
The No. 7 overall pick of the 2016 draft out of Oregon, Buckner was a key piece of San Francisco’s defense in his first four seasons, helping the club advance to Super Bowl LIV to cap the 2019 season. He registered 12.0 sacks for the 49ers in 2018 and 7.5 sacks for the club in 2019.
He was traded to the Colts after his fourth season, with Indianapolis signing him to a long-term second contract.
In Buckner’s 158 career games, he’s picked up 75.5 sacks, 101 tackles for loss, and 196 QB hits.
Buckner has been palpably frustrated by the Colts losses in recent weeks. With an expiring contract, it’s no surprise that he’s been moved.
It’s the second high-profile trade of the day from the Colts, who earlier dealt guard Quenton Nelson to the Seahawks.