See more of our coverage in your search results. The 49ers are trading for three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman DeForest Buckner. In exchange, the Colts will receive a 2027 fourth-round pick. Buckner returns to the 49ers after six-plus years with Indianapolis. The veteran previously played for San Francisco during the first four seasons of his NFL career. The 49ers traded Buckner to the Colts in 2020 for the No. 13 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Now, he’s headed back to the Bay for a second stint and a potential Super Bowl run. Buckner earned three Pro Bowl honors during his time in the Bay, and hit a career high in sacks (12) and tackles for loss (17) in the 2018 campaign. In his four years with San Francisco, Buckner collected 28.5 sacks and played in 15 or more games in every season for the team. The 32-year-old spent his collegiate career with the Oregon Ducks before joining the 49ers. The 49ers start tight end George Kittle expressed his excitement of the return of Buckner on X. “DEFOOOOO THE BOYS ARE BACK @DeForestBuckner, @JuiceCheck44, @49ers,” Kittle wrote in a post on X. The Colts are in the midst of a fire sale after sending Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle Tuesday morning. Just a few hours later, the team has parted ways with another veteran in Buckner, who was the No. 7 overall pick in 2016. The Colts traded Nelson to the Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and 2028 fifth-round pick. Buckner and Nelson squared off as teammates in practice, but will now face each other as NFC West rivals. The defensive lineman’s return to San Francisco fortifies the 49ers’ defensive line and should be even stronger once Nick Bosa returns from a calf injury. San Francisco was expected to be active in the trade market before the deadline due to their list of injuries, particularly to its wide receiver corps. Bosa is reportedly tracking to play in the 49ers’ next matchup against the Raiders on Nov. 8. Buckner and Bosa were previously teammates during his rookie season in 2019. As for Indianapolis, the franchise has kicked off its rebuilding phase. The Colts cleared over $17.7 million in cash and salary cap space while adding two picks in 2027 (third and fourth rounders) and one in 2028 (fifth).