49ers Trading For Colts DT DeForest Buckner

Pelissero mentions the Colts have cleared over $17.7 million in cap space by trading Buckner and G Quenton Nelson while acquiring a third, fourth and fifth-round pick. It’s worth noting Buckner is on an expiring contract.

Buckner, 32, is a former first-round pick of the 49ers back in 2016 out of Oregon. He was in the final year of his four-year, $18.19 million contract when the 49ers picked up his fifth-year option. 

San Francisco traded Buckner to the Colts for a first-round pick in 2020. Indianapolis promptly signed Buckner to a four-year, $84 million extension. 

He was due $20.25 million in the final year of the deal and later signed a two-year, $46 million extension with the Colts.

In 2026, Buckner has appeared in seven games for the Colts, recording 31 tackles, four sacks, a fumble recovery and three pass defenses.