DeForest Buckner Traded to 49ers from Colts, Latest Rumors on Deal for NFL Draft Pick

The Indianapolis Colts traded star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Per Schefter, the Colts sent Buckner to the 49ers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick.

The 32-year-old is returning to a familiar place, as he spent the first four seasons of his career in San Francisco after the team selected him with a first-round pick in the 2016 draft.

The reunion isn't a complete shock, as Rapoport and Schefter reported that the 49ers could decide to make a run at Buckner on Sunday.

The Colts were also "actively shopping" the three-time Pro Bowler prior to the swap, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Indianapolis sits at just 2-5 and has already started to sell ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline, reportedly sending star guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks in a separate deal on Tuesday.

As for the 49ers, they hold the No. 1 spot in the NFC West standings with a 6-1 record this year.

Still, San Francisco only ranks No. 20 among all teams with 15 total sacks in 2026 and should boast an improved interior pass rush following the addition of Buckner.

In his first seven games this season, he racked up 31 tackles, eight quarterback hits, four sacks and three passes defended. Buckner has also amassed 20 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

The veteran has consistently been productive with Indianapolis, recording 26.5 sacks over the prior four years combined.

Buckner will have some time to get acclimated to his new teammates during the 49ers' Week 8 bye before they're set to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 8.