The Colts are trading defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back to San Francisco for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The deal moves on from a veteran star as Indianapolis reshapes its roster and adds future draft capital.

By the Numbers
  • Buckner recorded 47 sacks in 95 games with Indianapolis.
  • He added 122 quarterback hits and 63 tackles for loss.
  • He earned 1 first-team All-Pro selection and 2 Pro Bowl nods as a Colt.
Yes, But

Indianapolis gains a future pick, but gives up a productive defensive leader who had returned from season-ending neck surgery and recorded 4 sacks in his first 7 games of 2026.

State of Play
  • San Francisco gets back the player it drafted seventh overall in 2016.
  • After trading Buckner and guard Quenton Nelson on Tuesday, Indianapolis has added 3 future draft picks that day, including 2 from Seattle.
Bottom Line

The Colts are turning established veterans into draft assets, betting that added flexibility will be more valuable to their future than keeping two key starters.