The San Francisco 49ers have traded for veteran defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, sending a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts. The move, made Tuesday, marks Buckner's return to San Francisco six years after he was initially traded away.
To accommodate Buckner on the roster, the 49ers released cornerback Jack Jones on Wednesday. Jones' departure ends his seven-game stint with the team. His release followed a challenging performance in the 49ers' Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, a game that snapped San Francisco's undefeated streak. During the game, Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. targeted Jones multiple times in coverage, and Jones committed a costly pass-interference penalty.
In his seven games with the 49ers, Jones recorded 11 tackles and three passes defensed without making a start. This was a reduced role for the 28-year-old cornerback, who started 17 games for the Miami Dolphins last season. He signed a one-year deal with the 49ers in April after recording 77 tackles and six passes defensed with an interception in Miami. Jones also had a hand injury during training camp that shortened his preseason debut.
Jones has had a nomadic NFL career, with San Francisco being his fourth team in five seasons. He was originally a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2022, showing promise as a rookie with two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. However, his time with the Patriots concluded in November 2023 following a team suspension and subsequent benching. He then played for the Raiders and Dolphins, accumulating eight interceptions across his first four seasons, returning four for touchdowns.
Buckner, meanwhile, returns to a 49ers team that is 6-1 and dealing with injuries to key players, including Nick Bosa and Mike Evans. The team also faces other roster needs as the November 10 trade deadline approaches. The 49ers will host the Raiders on November 8, two days before the deadline, following their upcoming bye week.