The Indianapolis Colts executed two major roster moves on Tuesday by trading offensive guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Nelson was sent to the Seattle Seahawks for a third-round pick and a future fifth-round pick.
Colts Trade Buckner Back to San Francisco
Indianapolis traded Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, as reported by ESPN. This move marks a second stint with the franchise for Buckner, who was originally drafted by the 49ers at No. 7 overall in 2016.
These transactions follow the firing of general manager Chris Ballard roughly a week prior. Sitting at a 2-5 record, the franchise has officially begun a rebuilding phase.
Trade Grades and Team Perspectives
The Indianapolis Colts received a B+ grade for the transaction. With the team struggling and needing a rebuild, clearing cap space and maximizing player value was viewed as a strategic decision. If the Colts had retained Buckner and he departed in the offseason, the highest compensatory draft pick they could have secured would have been a fifth-rounder. The 11-year veteran expressed a desire to play winning football after a Week 6 loss to the winless Tennessee Titans, stating he was “frustrated” and adding, “I’m sick and tired of the same song and dance every year.” Tuesday’s trades freed up more than $17.7 million in salary cap space and brought in three draft picks.
The San Francisco 49ers received an A grade for the deal. Holding a 6-1 record and targeting a deep postseason run, the team added defensive line depth after defensive tackles C.J. West and Alfred Collins were placed on injured reserve. Buckner brings familiarity with the front office, schemes, and several teammates from his previous tenure, alongside extensive postseason experience that includes starting three playoff games during the team’s run to the Super Bowl at the end of the 2019 season.
During the current season, Buckner has recorded 31 combined tackles, four sacks, and three pass breakups across seven starts. Over his 158 career games, which include 153 starts, he has accumulated 683 combined tackles, 101 tackles for loss, 75.5 sacks, 31 pass deflections, nine forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns.
