Buckner's return: Colts continue talent selloff, sending DeForest Buckner to 49ers while making New York Jets happier

Buckner returns to San Francisco

Buckner is headed back to the 49ers, who drafted him in 2016. He played there through 2019 before joining Indianapolis for the 2020 season. The Colts are reportedly receiving a fourth-round pick in the 2027 draft, according to NFL Network. In six seasons with Indianapolis, Buckner recorded 420 tackles, including 47 sacks.

Colts collect future picks

The Buckner trade was the second deal Tuesday involving a former Pro Bowl player negotiated by interim general manager Ed Dodds. Earlier, Indianapolis sent guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks.

The Colts have added a 2027 third-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. The moves suggest the team is focusing on the future rather than trying to rescue its 2026 season.

More possible roster moves

Indianapolis has continued discussing trade possibilities with other teams, according to reporting by OutKick and Fox News Digital. Potential candidates include running back Jonathan Taylor, defensive tackle Grover Stewart, and receivers Keenan Allen and Josh Downs.

The article says the reduced talent could make it harder for the struggling Colts to improve during the rest of the season. Head coach Shane Steichen had been under a mandate to win this year to ensure his retention.

Jets could benefit from losses

The New York Jets traded cornerback Sauce Gardner to Indianapolis last season, when the Colts were buying at the trade deadline. In return, New York received a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick. If Indianapolis loses more games with a weaker roster, the Jets’ 2027 first-round selection could rise in value.