49ers’ DeForest Buckner reclaims familiar jersey number in Bay Area return

Newly acquired defensive tackle DeForest Buckner returns to the San Francisco 49ers with a familiar number. Buckner will wear No. 99 during his second stint with the team, reclaiming the jersey number he wore during his first four NFL seasons in San Francisco.

Second-year defensive tackle C.J. West previously wore the number and is currently on injured reserve with a knee injury, but is expected to return this season. It's unclear what number West will wear when he returns, but a jersey number change is in his future.

Update: C.J. West is now No. 90.

San Francisco acquired Buckner last week from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. He returns to the team that selected him seventh overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, reuniting with the franchise that traded him to Indianapolis in 2020.

Buckner has remained one of the NFL's most productive interior defensive linemen throughout his career. He has amassed 75.5 sacks, 683 tackles, 101 tackles for a loss, and 196 quarterback hits. His resume also includes a safety, 31 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns.

Now back in San Francisco, Buckner will once again wear No. 99 as he looks to help strengthen the 49ers' defensive line in the second half of the season.

More info on: DeForest Buckner, C.J. West