John Lynch: Trading DeForest Buckner Was 'Toughest' Decision as 49ers GM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Monday that trading defensive lineman DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts this offseason was the "toughest thing" he's done in that role.

The Niners traded Buckner in March for the No. 13 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Buckner promptly signed a four-year, $84 million extension with the Colts, while the 49ers used their freed-up cap space to sign defensive lineman Arik Armstead to a five-year, $85 million extension. 

Buckner, 26, was a 2018 Pro Bowler and had another strong season last year, registering 62 tackles (nine for loss), 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown. He was Pro Football Focus' ninth-ranked interior defensive lineman in 2019. 

Granted, the Niners are still loaded on the defensive line behind Armstead (11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks last season) and Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa (16 tackles for loss, nine sacks). 

And they have options to replace Buckner, even if those players aren't the same caliber. Matt Barrows of The Athletic reported that "the first name that Lynch mentioned was D.J. Jones. Also mentioned Solomon Thomas, Kevin Givens, Jullian Taylor and Kentavius Street in that order."

The No. 13 pick will give the Niners the ability to address the defensive line or perhaps another area of need like wide receiver. The team could also use either of its first two picks to move down and stockpile other selections, considering it doesn't have any picks in the second, third or fourth rounds. 

Adding the 13th pick gave the Niners a lot of versatility heading into Thursday. Cutting ties with an established player like Buckner always hurts, but it may serve as the catalyst for filling out the roster with other talented prospects.