Could Bills, Panthers and 2 other teams already be regretting not trading for DeForest Buckner?
Buckner Returns to San Francisco
The Colts sent Buckner to the 49ers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The trade came amid a busy stretch for defensive tackles, soon overshadowed by Tennessee trading Jeffrey Simmons to Chicago for a large package.
San Francisco was a natural fit: the team drafted Buckner, and he spent four successful seasons there. Reports mentioned the Bears as having talks, but the account said little else had emerged about other interested teams.
Buffalo Needs Help Up Front
Buffalo’s defense has struggled for more than a year. The Bills brought in defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard and signed defensive end Bradley Chubb, but the changes have not substantially improved the unit.
The Bills have shown better run-defense numbers, though opponents are passing more often. The article argues Buckner could have strengthened a struggling defensive front and notes that he is a rental focused on winning.
Carolina’s Defensive Concerns
The Panthers are described as an NFC North team and not a typical contender, while their defense has faced broad problems. Injuries have played a role, but the unit was also struggling when players were healthy.
Carolina’s Week 1 game against the Bears initially appeared unusual, but later results suggested deeper issues in the trenches. Buckner might not have fixed everything, yet could have helped; the Panthers were also said to have limited cap space heading toward the trade deadline.
Kansas City’s Sack Shortage
The Chiefs had eight sacks, the second-fewest in the NFL, with only the Dolphins recording fewer. Kansas City had invested in its defensive line through draft picks Peter Woods and R Mason Thomas, as well as free-agent Khyris Tonga, but the additions had not produced the desired immediate boost.
Buckner had 4.0 sacks, tied for second among defensive tackles, despite playing on a struggling Colts defense. The article says that total was 0.5 behind Zach Allen and level with Dexter Lawrence and Jeffery Simmons.
Key points
- The 49ers got Buckner from the Colts for a 2027 fourth-round pick.
- The Bills’ defense has struggled despite offseason changes.
- The Panthers have had persistent defensive problems, especially in the trenches.
- The Chiefs had eight sacks, while Buckner had 4.0.