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The 49ers at the start of free agency uprooted what looked to be the foundation of a dominant defensive line when they traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts for the No. 13 pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Given his contributions and the leadership role he’d taken on since joining the club as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2016 draft, it seemed unconscionable that the 49ers would trade Buckner.
Word of the trade wasn’t just a shock for 49ers fans. It took Buckner by surprise as well. The Colts defensive lineman told the Athletic’s Zak Keefer in an excellent feature that while he had an idea the team was looking to move him after negotiations of a long-term deal stalled out, he still wasn’t anticipating the move.
From Keefer:
So Buckner and his agent, Joel Segal, told the 49ers they had a trade partner lined up a full week before free agency began. The Colts were ready. Inside, Buckner clung to the possibility of a return, unlikely as it seemed. He figured the Colts’ offer would serve as leverage.
He was wrong.
“I was hoping the 49ers would at least meet me in the middle,” he admits now. “I definitely didn’t expect them to trade me. I poured my heart and soul into that organization … to go from 2-14 my first year to build a culture and get to a Super Bowl?
“You just don’t expect to be traded.”
That kind of line from Buckner only adds insult to injury for the 49ers while they struggle to find stability on the defensive side among a rash of injuries.
San Francisco wound up securing defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the draft after multiple trades facilitated by the No. 13 pick they acquired for Buckner.
They also extended defensive lineman Arik Armstead, re-signed safety Jimmie Ward, traded for Trent Williams, and extended George Kittle with the additional salary cap flexibility the Buckner trade gave them. On paper and in a calculator, it makes sense.
Perhaps long-term the move works out and the 49ers extend their championship window. For now though it’s hard to say San Francisco “won” the trade, especially when an All-Pro caliber player like Buckner wanted to stay.