DeForest Buckner had no interest in taking another route once his time with the Indianapolis Colts came to an end. The veteran defensive tackle made it clear that returning to the San Francisco 49ers was his preferred destination after the teams agreed to a trade on October 27.
San Francisco acquired Buckner for a 2027 fourth-round pick, bringing back a player who spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the franchise. Speaking to reporters on Monday for the first time since the trade, Buckner explained how strongly he felt about returning.
“When everything kind of unfolded and everything, I stated that I wanted to come here. I didn't want to go anywhere else,” Buckner said.
His connection to the organization played a major role in that decision. San Francisco drafted him in 2016, and he recorded 28.5 sacks and 38 tackles for loss during his first four seasons. He also earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2018 and second-team All-Pro honors in 2019.
Buckner later spent seven seasons in Indianapolis, where he continued to establish himself as one of the league's productive interior defenders. He recorded 47 sacks and 63 tackles for loss with the Colts, earning first-team All-Pro recognition in 2020 and two additional Pro Bowl selections.
Article Continues BelowHowever, Indianapolis' difficult start to the 2026 season created an opportunity for both sides to move on. The Colts entered the trade with a 2-6 record after losing four consecutive games, while the 49ers were 6-1 and leading the NFC.
The 32-year-old arrives with four sacks in seven games this season. He will reunite with Nick Bosa and strengthen a defensive front looking to make another Super Bowl run. Buckner is also set to reclaim his familiar No. 99 jersey.