DeForest Buckner wanted a trade to the 49ers after the Colts' rough start to 2026 NFL season

The San Francisco 49ers have brought back defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, trading for the former first-round pick originally selected No. 7 overall in 2016. Buckner said the trade talk aligned with his own preference, adding that he didn’t want to go elsewhere despite the uncertainty around rumors. After returning, he pointed to the familiarity of the organization, the teammates who remain, and the standard of play. His best season with San Francisco came in 2018 (12 sacks, 17 tackles for loss), and he later earned two Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors in Indianapolis. The move aims to stabilize a pass rush after the Week 8 bye.