The Colts are trading DT DeForest Buckner to the 49ers for a fourth-round pick. It returns Buckner to the franchise that drafted him seventh overall back in 2016. San Francisco traded him to Indy in March 2020 -- after four seasons -- for a first-round pick. He was in the midst of his seventh Colts campaign. Buckner's in the final year of his contract and will turn 33 in mid-March.
What They're Saying
ESPN's Nick Wagoner: "Buckner bolsters an injury-ravaged defensive line on the heels of a loss in Atlanta in which the 49ers pressured Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. on just three of his 34 dropbacks. ... According to ESPN research, the Niners have a pressure rate of 23% using four or fewer pass rushers, the second-worst mark in the NFL."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Buckner, Niners Good; Target the Colts
Buckner arrives with 4 sacks for the season, which starts him with the lead among 49ers and sits tied for second among all DTs. Buckner also ranks inside the top 20 D-linemen in fantasy points per game for most formats.
He should see similar playing time with his new/old team and maintain his fanatsy worth, especially once the Niners get Nick Bosa (calf) back healthy.
Buckner adds obvious juice to a San Francisco defense that's been solid (10th in expected points added per play), though much tougher against the run (second) than the pass (15th).
Buckner should aid both areas, though his impact figures to be especially important to the pass rush.
Indy, meanwhile, didn't sport a very good defense even with the star DT. The Colts will be a unit to target with any position in fantasy the rest of the way.
