Colts Continue Sell-Off, Trading DeForest Buckner to 49ers
Indianapolis sends Pro Bowl defensive tackle to San Francisco for draft compensation, marking another move in their talent dispersal under interim GM Ed Dodds.
The Indianapolis Colts have traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers, continuing a significant sell-off of veteran talent under interim general manager Ed Dodds. This move follows closely on the heels of trading Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks earlier on Tuesday.
Buckner, a former first-round pick by the 49ers in 2016, returns to the team where he played his first four seasons. The Colts reportedly received a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft for Buckner. During his six seasons with the Colts, Buckner recorded 420 tackles and 47 sacks. The trade is pending a physical.
These trades signal a shift in strategy for the Colts, indicating a focus on future asset accumulation rather than competing in the current season. The team has also reportedly discussed trade options for other key players, including running back Jonathan Taylor, defensive tackle Grover Stewart, and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Josh Downs.
The Colts' strategy of trading away established players is also poised to benefit the New York Jets. The Jets previously acquired first-round draft picks from the Colts in exchange for cornerback Sauce Gardner. As the Colts' performance is expected to decline with a weakened roster, the higher their draft selections will be in future years, potentially increasing the value of the picks already sent to New York.