Guys… we have a trade. The San Francisco 49ers have traded All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts. In exchange, San Fran will receive the 13th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. It’s a fascinating trade to dive into.
Adam Schefter of ESPN was the first to report the news:
This trade can be summarized quickly. The 49ers decided to re-sign Arik Armstead at $17 million per year while shipping out Buckner and collecting the 13th pick in the draft. Buckner was set to play on a 5th year option who was in need of a new contract extension. Buckner lands a deal worth $21 million with Indianapolis. It would have been impossible for San Francisco to sign both of them while worrying about a future Nick Bosa extension.
San Fran also needed draft capital. They traded their 2nd round pick for Dee Ford. The 3rd and 4th round picks got shipped in the Emmanuel Sanders trade. It was important to get more draft capital for a young team that is gearing up to make another run. It’s a big loss for the 49ers but a very smart business decision at the end of the day.
For the Colts, it’s simple. They grab a great player. Maybe overpaid a bit to land him but there’s no denying Buckner is awesome. Buckner was selected as an All-Pro this past year with 7.5 sacks on the interior. It also takes them out of the first round quarterback conversation. Philip Rivers seems to be coming to town instead in a battle with Jacoby Brissett.
