The move reunites Buckner with the team that selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft before trading him to the Colts in 2020.
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk is undoubtedly excited to welcome Buckner back. Juszczyk recently pleaded with the veteran defensive lineman to "come home" after Buckner expressed frustration with the Colts' struggles.
Juszczyk isn't the only 49ers player happy to see Buckner return to the Bay Area. Tight end George Kittle shared his excitement on social media.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel also welcomed the news. Samuel rejoined the 49ers during training camp after spending a season with the Washington Commanders.
Buckner is expected to bolster a 49ers defensive front that has lost depth due to injuries. The veteran defensive tackle remains one of the NFL's best at his position, recording 31 tackles, four tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, four sacks, three passes defensed, and one fumble recovery through seven games this season.
Fans should be excited to see Buckner paired with Osa Odighizuwa, whom the 49ers acquired in an offseason trade.
Buckner has earned a Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of at least 74.9 in each of the past nine seasons. He currently holds a 73.7 pass-rush grade and has generated 20 pressures this season.
The 49ers are currently in their bye week, with players scheduled to return Monday to begin preparations for their Week 9 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at Levi's Stadium.
Buckner goes from a struggling 2-5 team to a 6-1 squad that is viewed as a contender.
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers reunite with DeForest Buckner in trade with Colts
Multiple reports say the San Francisco 49ers are acquiring Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, reuniting with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. In exchange, the 49ers will send Indianapolis a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. Reunion! The Colts are... -
Insider expects potential 49ers trade target DeForest Buckner to be 'moved soon'
Will the San Francisco 49ers respond to the Seattle Seahawks' acquisition of All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson with a trade of their own to strengthen their position in the NFC West? NFL analysts have linked the 49ers to Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who has... -
Schefter says 49ers could make a run at Colts DT DeForest Buckner
The Indianapolis Colts could be active ahead of the NFL trade deadline, and ESPN insider Adam Schefter believes the San Francisco 49ers could be among the teams looking to take advantage. Schefter noted that the 49ers could pursue defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, potentially... -
49ers' Kyle Juszczyk urges DeForest Buckner to 'come home'
The Indianapolis Colts' record fell to 2-4 on Sunday after a 26-20 loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans, and veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is growing increasingly frustrated with the team's struggles. Following the loss, Buckner made his frustration...