Buckner, a three-time Pro Bowler, goes back to the team that drafted him seventh overall in 2016. San Francisco traded him to Indianapolis in 2020 for the No. 13 pick. Pelissero says the 49ers will pay the $7.944 million left on his contract this season, and Buckner is set to be a free agent in March.
This is the second veteran the Colts have moved today. Earlier Tuesday they sent guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle. Pelissero says the two deals clear more than $17.7 million in cash and cap space and bring back a 2027 third, a 2027 fourth and a 2028 fifth. Schefter notes the fourth beats what Indianapolis could have expected as a compensatory pick, since an 11-year veteran leaving in free agency would have returned a 2028 fifth at best.
For San Francisco, the move stacks the interior. The 49ers added Osa Odighizuwa from Dallas this offseason, and Schefter says they expect Nick Bosa back from his calf injury in the near future. A healthy Bosa next to Buckner and Odighizuwa gives the 49ers one of the deeper fronts in the NFC West.
The bigger roster question sits in Indianapolis. Schefter lists running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Josh Downs as other possible trade targets, and Jordan Schultz says receiver-needy teams have called about Downs. Earlier today Schefter said Colts ownership does not want to move Taylor.
What RSO owners should do now: if your league uses defensive players, Buckner keeps his value in a better situation and his contract expires after the season, so plan for his free agency. Downs owners should hold, since a trade could improve or muddy his target share depending on the destination. Taylor owners have no reason to sell at a discount on rumors.
The BeatThe Colts won't trade Jonathan Taylor, so you should
Injuries and TransactionsColts trade Quenton Nelson to Seahawks for third- and fifth-round picks
PreviewsWednesday brings the final Packers injury report before Thursday night
RecapsColts sell Nelson and Buckner as Tracy and All head to injured reserve