There’s a clear top need for the San Francisco 49ers with the 2024 NFL trade deadline approaching.
While the 49ers could use depth at several positions, the defensive line is the unit that they’d benefit the most from upgrading. Despite improved production in the secondary, San Francisco’s defensive philosophy revolves disruptive play up front.
If the Indianapolis Colts are willing to do business, the 49ers should aim to bring back their former first-round pick DeForest Buckner. He was on IR with a high ankle sprain, but returned for the Colts’ Week 8 matchup with the Houston Texans.
From the 49ers’ perspective, the fit is a no-brainer despite the injury.
They need an interior defensive lineman who can push the pocket as a pass rusher while also holding up well against the run. Buckner one of the most consistent players at the position in the NFL. He’s never had fewer than 48 pressures in a season, and he’s had at least 7.0 sacks every year since 2019. Not to mention his fit would be seamless on a club he spent the first four years of his career with.
The Colts signed Buckner, 30, to a two-year, $46 million deal in the offseason. He’ll be owed $23 million guaranteed next year with no additional guaranteed money after that. San Francisco could drop his cap hit next year by either restructuring his deal or extending him and spreading that cap hit out over a few seasons.
It’s a little murkier from the Colts’ perspective. They’re 4-4 heading into Week 9 and two games back of the AFC South-leading Texans.
They’ve also made a change at quarterback by plugging in veteran Joe Flacco for struggling 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson. That’s a clear indication they’re trying to win now and probably not eager to give up a key piece of their defensive line.
However, if Indianapolis falls to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in their final game before the trade deadline, they might be more eager to make a deal and recoup an asset or two for Buckner knowing the playoffs are probably not in the cards for them this season.
If Buckner can be had for something like a third or fourth-round pick in next year’s draft, the 49ers should be first in line to make that deal.
Trading him away initially was a mistake. Trading to get him back could save their season.
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