The Indianapolis Colts are continuing their roster overhaul, trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
The move comes just hours after Indianapolis traded eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection. With the Colts sitting at 2-5 and having lost three consecutive games, the organization appears
to be fully embracing its role as a seller ahead of the November 10 trade deadline.
For Buckner, the trade represents a reunion with the organization that originally selected him seventh overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent his first four seasons in San Francisco, developing into one of the league’s premier interior defensive linemen and helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl LIV following the 2019 season.
Indianapolis acquired Buckner in March 2020 in exchange for the 13th overall pick in that year’s draft, immediately signing him to a four-year, $84 million extension. The move was one of the most significant acquisitions of former general manager Chris Ballard’s tenure and provided the Colts with an established defensive star who would become the centerpiece of their defensive line for more than six seasons.
Buckner certainly lived up to expectations individually. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors during his first season in Indianapolis, recording 9.5 sacks and establishing himself as one of the most disruptive interior defenders in football. He followed that performance with several more productive seasons, earning additional Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2023 while consistently providing the Colts with a reliable pass-rushing presence.
Even at 32 years old, Buckner has shown few signs of slowing down. Through seven games in 2026, he has recorded 31 tackles, four sacks, eight quarterback hits and three passes defended, remaining one of the team’s most productive defensive players despite its struggles throughout the season.
However, with Buckner playing out the final year of his contract and Indianapolis potentially entering a rebuilding period, retaining him for the remainder of the season became increasingly difficult to justify.
Following the Colts’ embarrassing loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans, Buckner openly expressed his frustration with the organization’s continued struggles. After more than six seasons in Indianapolis without sustained postseason success, an opportunity to return to San Francisco and compete for a championship could be beneficial for both sides. He showed his frustration again after the Vikings loss.
In my recent evaluation of Buckner’s trade value, I projected that Indianapolis could realistically receive a 2027 fourth-round pick for the veteran defensive tackle, the exact compensation the Colts ultimately acquired. San Francisco was also among the potential destinations identified, given its need for additional defensive line help and Buckner’s previous connection to the organization.
Although a fourth-round selection might appear underwhelming for a player of Buckner’s caliber, his age and expiring contract significantly limited his market value. The Colts also faced the possibility of losing him in free agency without receiving any guaranteed compensation, making the opportunity to secure a draft pick in 2027 considerably more appealing.
His departure also creates an opportunity for Adetomiwa Adebawore, who has shown encouraging development along Indianapolis’ defensive line. The former fourth-round selection recorded two sacks against Minnesota on Sunday and could receive a significantly larger role over the remainder of the season as the Colts evaluate their younger players.
For San Francisco, Buckner provides an established interior pass rusher who could immediately strengthen its defensive front. The 49ers have dealt with injuries throughout their defense, including the loss of Nick Bosa, and bringing back a familiar face with Buckner’s experience and production gives the organization another proven weapon as it pursues a playoff berth.
Meanwhile, the Colts have now acquired three additional draft selections through their trades of Nelson and Buckner, including two picks in 2027. With Indianapolis already without its first-round selection next year following the Sauce Gardner trade, replenishing draft capital has become increasingly important for a franchise preparing for significant organizational changes.
Buckner’s departure also raises questions about which veterans could be moved next, particularly Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs and Grover Stewart, whose names have surfaced in trade discussions over the past several days.
The Colts have made their intentions increasingly clear. Less than two weeks after firing Ballard, Indianapolis has already parted ways with two of its most accomplished players, and there may be more changes ahead before the deadline.
