Could the Indianapolis Colts trade DeForest Buckner? The nine-year veteran is one of the team’s most important players and one of the NFL’s top defensive tackles. That said, getting rid of him wouldn’t make much sense. Mike Silver of the Athletic mentioned Buckner as a player the San Francisco 49ers could trade for:
“Internally, there have been discussions about going after marquee players and more affordable, less glamorous options alike. Could three-time Pro Bowl selection DeForest Buckner, the team’s 2016 first-round pick who was dealt to the Indianapolis Colts after the 2019 season, be reacquired via trade?”
Buckner, of course, spent the first four years of his career with the 49ers. Grant Cohn of si.com stated that the team never should’ve traded the star defender:
“Frankly, the 49ers never should have traded DeForest Buckner to the Colts in the first place. The 49ers never have been able to replace him. Both Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw are now gone, and Javon Hargrave is on Injured Reserve with a torn triceps. Now the 49ers’ starting defensive tackles are Maliek Collins and Jordan Elliott, who are serviceable but unspectacular. And suddenly, defensive tackle is one of the thinnest positions on the roster.”
Sure, the injury-plagued 49ers could use Buckner’s services. But the Colts would be foolish to part ways with the three-time Pro-Bowler.
It Wouldn’t Make Sense for Colts to Trade DeForest Buckner
Looking Back at His Career
DeForest Buckner played his college ball with the Oregon Ducks. During his final season, he was named the Pac-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was awarded the Morris Trophy.
Later on, the 49ers selected Buckner with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he produced 73 tackles, six sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a pass deflection. Buckner also led all NFL defensive linemen with 1,108 snaps. He would produce 263 tackles and 28.5 sacks during his tenure in San Francisco.
In March 2020, Buckner was traded to the Colts for a first-round pick (13th overall in the 2020 draft). He was named a First-Team All-Pro during his first season in Indy. The Hawaii native would also make the Pro Bowl in both 2021 and 2023.
Buckner has missed five games this season after suffering an ankle injury in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. Fortunately, he’s now healthy and ready to go.
Why the Colts Shouldn’t Trade Him
The Colts fell to 4-4 on the season following a loss to the Houston Texans. Barring a monumental meltdown, the Texans will more than likely win the AFC South. However, the Colts still have a decent shot at reaching the playoffs. It will be tough to land a wildcard spot, though, competing with teams like the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals.
The Colts will need strong play from their struggling offense. And they’ll also need help from their Buckner-led defense.
With Buckner returning to the lineup in the recent loss to Houston, Indy’s defensive front had its best performance in a while. Buckner played 43 snaps, impacting passing plays and against the run. He had three pressures, a sack, and a pass rush win rate of 35%, the highest among defenders in Week 8. It was easy to see that the Colts had missed Buckner’s presence. Don’t look for him to get traded anytime soon.
Main Image: Thomas Shea – USA Today Sports
