After electing to re-sign star DE Arik Arsmtead and giving him his payday, the 49ers have traded All Pro DT DeForest Buckner to the Colts in-exchange for the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft. He signed a deal after the trade, making him the second highest paid DT in football.
As a true member of the Faithful, this trade in particular hurts.
Not only was Buckner a fan favorite, he was a leader on this defense and has been throughout his time in the Bay Area. When it came down to re-signing Armstead for big money, or paying Buckner – Lynch chose Armstead.
Not only was it a bold move on Lynch’s terms, but this trade works out for both San Francisco and Indianapolis.
As the 49ers look to add on to their Super Bowl caliber roster with younger pieces and early draft picks, the Colts bought into Buckner believing he can motion them into a championship direction.
Everyone knows it takes more in this league than an All Pro DT to win a Super Bowl, but with the Colts newest acquisition, Buckner now has the opportunity to fill a leadership role this defense truly needs.
An underrated star in this league, Buckner has racked up 19.5 sacks in the past two seasons, and remained the heart and soul of this 49ers front-seven.
The Colts now have the chance to pounce on opposing QBs with a tandem of pass-rushers, as they will look to burry Watson and Tannehill for years to come, alongside rising stars Leonard, Hooker, and Turay
While it is risky to give up your first round pick, this is a very strategic move by Indy’s front office as the importance of an explosive D-Lineman grows in today’s NFL.
For the Niners, this move again hurt the players and fans – but only benefits the team in so many ways.
Firstly, not having to pay another massive contract will ONLY help the 49ers in the long run.
Whether the 49ers elect to clean up their secondary issues, find a cheaper/younger replacement for Buckner, or draft another explosive receiver next to Deebo Samuel (and Emmanuel Sanders if re-signed), this additional pick only gives the Niners more talent going into next season – as the Quest for Six looks to be completed.
Photo: San Francisco 49ers
