The San Francisco 49ers continued their reunion party last week, bringing back former Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts six years after trading him.
Buckner, 32, instantly steps into a starting role in San Francisco alongside Osa Odighizuwa, giving the team more experience and a veteran presence for a young defensive tackle room.
Buckner was quite productive in 2025, but was on a bad Colts team this season and needed to be dealt. Naturally, given the need, the 49ers were a perfect fit and the two sides were able to reach a deal for a fourth-round pick.
Now, the defensive tackle will play his first game with the 49ers since the 2019 Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, as the team hopes to not only come back, but also win their first championship since 1995.
Even though it’s only been a week, Buckner’s presence is already being felt in the locker room, according to his teammates.
“Oh, it’s awesome,” running back Christian McCaffrey said of Buckner’s arrival. “I think even in today’s presentation, you look out there, you’ve got Bosa, you’ve got him over there, all these other (guys). You’re like, okay, this definitely gives you a little confidence boost. So excited, he’s part of our team.”
Bosa welcomed the move, believing it would add needed leadership to the younger defensive line group.
“Yeah, 100 percent, (we feel a boost),” Bosa said of his former teammate. “I think we needed some leadership, not that we don’t have some good leaders in the D-line room, but a guy who has played a lot in that scheme, and we have some young emerging D tackles, so it’s definitely a perfect fit.”
Fred Warner echoed that sentiment, noting the impact Buckner had on him when the two played together for two seasons in 2018 and 2019.
“It means everything,” Warner added. “It was special when I found out we had an opportunity or really when we got it. He was the guy when I came in as a rookie, I think he was in his 3rd year and he was everything we were looking for as a 49er. Just building the culture and the standard here.
“He was that, you know, and I learned so much from him early on. And, you know, it was unfortunate, on the business side, obviously having to be traded to the Colts, but it’s rare to get a second opportunity to come home, right? And so I know he’s excited. I’m excited. He looks phenomenal. And it helps when you have really talented players on the defensive line. It makes my job easier.”
Could the 49ers continue to strengthen the defensive line now? Reports indicate they are still looking for a pass rusher, perhaps another veteran to help out a younger room. Speaking to reporters, head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team is still looking for logical moves and a pass rusher could be one of the key remaining needs.
While it’s a possibility, Bosa feels pretty confident about where the play stands right now.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Bosa said when asked about the possibility of another addition. “Yeah, I don’t know. It seems like we’re pretty stacked. (Buckner) the plan and, and now we get to watch it in person.”
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