DeForest Buckner wants to remain with 49ers, says extension talks are ‘very early in the process’

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner can expect a huge payday when he and the San Francisco 49ers eventually agree to terms on a contract extension. Discussions are taking place, but the budding NFL star told reporters on Wednesday that nothing is imminent.

Buckner, 25, is preparing to enter his fourth NFL season. The 49ers would like to make sure he remains in red and gold for the foreseeable future. Buckner also expressed interest in staying with San Francisco.

"We've had conversations here and there," Buckner said. "Honestly, it's just very early, just because I'm eligible for a new contract going into my fourth year. It's still very early in the process. I'm really just looking forward to being here with the team long-term, and I know Jed (York), and John (Lynch), and Paraag (Marathe), and all them, Kyle (Shanahan), they all know that.

"They know what I can bring to the table, and what I bring to the team. There's no rush to it."

The 49ers made Buckner, who played college football at Oregon, the No. 7 overall selection in 2016. He registered 67 combined tackles, a career-high 12 sacks, and three passes defensed through 16 starts with the 49ers in 2018. Buckner has recorded 201 combined tackles, 21 sacks, nine passes defensed, and a forced fumble through his three NFL seasons.

Buckner has high expectations for the 49ers defensive line in 2019. He would even welcome the addition of another dominant defensive lineman via the draft.

"Last year, we were good, but we weren't great," Buckner said. "We're all looking to be great. With the addition of Dee (Ford) and whoever they draft, it doesn't matter who they draft. All the guys are good this year. We'll just add another dominant guy to the D-line. Whoever it is, it doesn't matter. I'm just very excited to get to working with them, and I know everybody in the room is excited."