General manager John Lynch and company traded Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, a respected leader on defense, to the Indianapolis Colts for the No. 13 overall selection in next month's draft.
The news came just hours after reports that San Francisco re-signed defensive end Arik Armstead to a five-year contract, and left 49ers players surprised.
Buckner was preparing to play on his fifth-year option, and the move reportedly creates $12.4 million in salary-cap space for a player the team likely felt it would not be able to re-sign after this year.
Buckner immediately agreed to a new contract with the Colts that will reportedly pay him $21 million annually, which is more than the 49ers could afford.
Below are just a few of the reactions from 49ers players.