DeForest Buckner trade
The 49ers sent their Pro Bowl defensive tackle to the Colts in exchange for the No. 13 overall pick in this year’s draft. Buckner got a huge extension from Indianapolis that was going to be difficult for the 49ers to fit in with a slew of other extensions they had or had coming. They could’ve fit Buckner in but likely foregone the rest of the offseason, so getting a mid first-round pick for a player entering the final year of his rookie contract is very good value.
The big risk here is that Buckner winds up turning into a Hall of Famer while San Francisco struggles to replace him and whiffs on their use of the No. 13 pick. Overall though, general manager John Lynch and the front office took a long-term view with this move and calculated that this is the best way to extend their championship window.
Grade: B