Fire Sale! Indianapolis Colts trade away another top star

The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.

The former first-round pick was acquired in a trade from the Indianapolis Colts.

As US media outlets consistently report, the 49ers are sending a 2027 fourth-round pick to Indianapolis.

This was already the second significant move for Indianapolis this Tuesday. Earlier, the Colts traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

Which also affects Bernhard Raimann's offensive line >>>

Buckner returns to San Francisco

After being picked seventh in the 2016 NFL Draft, Buckner was a pillar of San Francisco's defense for several years. In 2019, he was part of the 49ers team that reached the Super Bowl but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The following season, Buckner was traded to Indianapolis. Shanahan and Lynch called this move one of the toughest they had ever made. His return will be met with great approval from the team's veterans who have previously played with Buckner.

The 49ers have been searching for a replacement since Buckner's departure. Javon Kinlaw was unable to fill this role after being drafted 14th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.

An anchor for the defense

According to Pro Football Focus, 32-year-old Buckner continues to play at a high level. He recorded 20 quarterback pressures and four sacks while playing 82% of the defensive snaps for the Colts.

In a total of 158 games for San Francisco and Indianapolis, Buckner accumulated 75.5 sacks, 101 tackles for loss, and nine forced fumbles.

Colts are in transition

The Indianapolis Colts fired General Manager Chris Ballard last week. Co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon had already hinted at further trades after Ballard's dismissal, which came a day after the loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans on home turf, accompanied by boos and chants like "Fire Ballard."

"As I said at the beginning of the season, the urgency has never been greater. Our aspiration is to contend for championships, and I believe a change in leadership is necessary to meet this standard," she said last week.

"This in-season change was a conscious decision. Further waiting would only delay the important work that needs to begin now."