49ers Acquire DeForest Buckner in Trade; George Kittle Reacts
San Francisco brings back defensive tackle in a move intended to bolster their Super Bowl aspirations.
The San Francisco 49ers have reacquired defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts, the team announced during their bye week. The 49ers sent a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Colts in exchange for Buckner, who previously played for San Francisco from 2016 to 2019.
Upon news of the trade, 49ers tight end George Kittle expressed his enthusiasm on social media. "DEFOOOOO THE BOYS ARE BACK @DeForestBuckner @JuiceCheck44 @49ers," Kittle posted on X. Kittle and Buckner were teammates for three seasons in San Francisco, including Kittle's rookie year in 2017.
Buckner, the No. 7 overall pick by the 49ers in the 2016 NFL Draft, spent his first four professional seasons with the team. The trade reunites him with the 49ers as they aim for a Super Bowl run in the 2026 season.
This move marks the second significant addition to San Francisco's defensive tackle room in the current calendar year, following the acquisition of Osa Odighizuwa from the Cowboys in the offseason. The 49ers have been active in bolstering their roster ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline, addressing needs in their defensive line. The team has also reportedly been looking to strengthen its wide receiver corps, which has been impacted by injuries since training camp.