Do you remember when leaks out of the San Francisco 49ers were commonplace? That definitely isn't the case anymore, and the trade that sent Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a first-round selection is proof of that.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network twice stated on-air Monday that the deal was actually in the works for some time. In fact, he says the trade was being discussed since around the Super Bowl. That was six weeks ago.
.@RapSheet says deal to trade DeForest Buckner was "in the works for, not just several days, but several weeks."
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) March 16, 2020
.@RapSheet repeats that #49ers' trade of DeForest Buckner has been "quietly in the works since around the time of the Super Bowl."
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) March 16, 2020
It's very impressive that general manager John Lynch and company were able to quietly work on the deal, possibly even ramping up discussions at the NFL Scouting Combine last month, without anyone finding out.
The 49ers might be without one of their defensive leaders now, but the team is in good shape heading into the draft with two first-round picks.
San Francisco doesn't currently own a selection between rounds one and five, and could use one of those first-rounders (No. 13 from the Colts or their own No. 31) to acquire more draft equity.