Speaking with San Francisco media members, former Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle detailed his exit from the team.
Following the Colts' Week 7 loss to Minnesota, Buckner was understandably frustrated in the locker room afterward, as another season was on the verge of being lost.
A few days later, he was traded to the 49ers.
"With the situation, I spoke with Carlie, I spoke with Ed, and at the end of the day, they respected everything I accomplished and did there," Buckner said, via Kevin Bowen. "Like I said, I poured my heart and soul into that organization and they felt that."
No surprise hearing DeForest Buckner describe his #Colts exit
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) November 2, 2026
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For Buckner, there was only one team he wanted to play for.
"They wanted
to make sure I went to a place where I wanted to be and I have nothing but respect for Carlie, her family, for Dodds, and everybody in that building," Buckner continued. "I formed great relationships there. They held their end of the bargain and at the end of the day, I wanted to be here and they made it happen."
Buckner was a first-round pick by the 49ers in 2016 and was traded to Indianapolis after the 2019 season. He is a three-time Pro Bowler, and one-time first-team All-Pro.
In return, the Colts received a 2027 fourth-round draft pick from San Francisco.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: DeForest Buckner details exit from Colts prior to 49ers' trade
