DeForest Buckner trade is more than on-field impact for 49ers

Buckner also ranks 21st in the league in double-team rate (76.6%) and is just behind Odighizuwa, who is 19th (77.5%), which will help free up more space for edge-rushers and blitzers to disrupt the backfield as well as free up their own double-team draws.

The Niners also now have a pair of DTs who have 20 or more pressures this season, joining four other teams. 

DeForest Buckner's impact off the field for the 49ers

Most importantly, Buckner's return helps enhance the team's locker-room vibes, provides instant leadership and mentorship to the club and helps boost the morale of San Francisco's longtime veterans, who immediately expressed their pleasure in seeing the return of their former teammate.

Buckner also provides San Francisco with something that it has been missing, but is being solved, a sure thing that the front office and coaching staff knows what they are getting.

Sometimes, when developing a team culture, it's not about the best on-field player or the most talented athlete. It's about a player who is willing to buy into the system presented to them, preaching and instilling it to new players and leading by example. 

The Niners have lost many players during Kyle Shanahan's tenure as head coach, as all teams do, and some have left for greener pastures or deserved larger contracts. This offseason, however, the Niners have made a point to reunite with many former key players to restore that culture.

Deebo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw returned this offseason and Buckner is the latest name to come back. San Francisco isn't done making trades and have other holes to fill — perhaps Jauan Jennings is coming back to keep the trend alive — but its clear the team knows what it wants when it comes to a roster and so far it's working.