The San Francisco 49ers traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts on Monday. Buckner, who turned 26 years of age on Tuesday, was traded for the Colts’ number one pick in the 2020 National Football League Draft according to nfl.com.
After being acquired by Indianapolis, Bucker signed a five year contract worth $105 million. Buckner, who is now the second highest paid defensive tackle in NFL history, has played with San Francisco since 2016.
The 49ers receive the 13th pick overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. The 49ers now have two first round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft as they also have their own pick, which is 31st overall.
Buckner, who played defensive end and defensive line for the 49ers in 2019, started in all 16 games. He had two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, one fumble for a touchdown, 7.5 sacks, 62 combined tackles, 34 solo tackles, 28 assisted tackles, nine tackles for a loss and 14 quarterback hits.
Buckner set career highs in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. On November 11, 2019, Buckner scored his first NFL career touchdown in a 27-24 49ers loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Buckner’s touchdown came on a 12 yard fumble return. It was in fact one of two fumble recoveries Buckner had in this one game.
It will now be interesting to see how Buckner makes the transition from the National Football Conference to the American Football Conference. The native of Wainanae, Hawaii clearly brings an intimidating presence to the Colts as he is 6’7″, 300 pounds.
Originally, a first round draft pick, seventh overall, by the 49ers in the 2016 NFL Draft, Buckner was the third highest defensive player selected four years ago. He was only behind defensive end Joey Bosa, who was selected third by the San Diego Chargers, and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was selected fifth by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ramsey has also left his original team as he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams during last season.
