DeForest Buckner Still Haunts the 49ers’ Defensive Line Decisions
Let’s rewind to March 2020, a pivotal moment in the recent history of the San Francisco 49ers. Just days after locking up Arik Armstead on a five-year extension, the Niners made a move that still echoes through their defensive front: they traded DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts for a top-15 draft pick.
At the time, it was a business decision. Buckner wanted to be paid like Aaron Donald - and the Colts were willing to meet that price tag, making him the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in the league. San Francisco, facing cap constraints and big-picture roster planning, chose to move on from one of their most dominant players in exchange for draft capital and financial flexibility.
But here we are, nearly six seasons later, and the 49ers are still searching for someone who can fill the Buckner-sized void in their interior defense.
The Kinlaw Gamble That Didn’t Pay Off
The 49ers used the pick they got from the Colts to draft Javon Kinlaw, a physically gifted defensive tackle out of South Carolina. On paper, it looked like a smart move - a younger, cheaper replacement with upside.
But Kinlaw never developed into the disruptive force the team hoped he’d become. Whether it was injuries, inconsistency, or just a tough fit, the production never matched the potential.
This season, the Niners turned to rookies Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins to help bolster the interior alongside Nick Bosa. There’s promise there - both players have shown flashes and could become solid contributors in time.
But replacing Buckner? That’s a whole different conversation.
His blend of size, athleticism, and relentless motor made him a rare talent. The kind you don’t just replace - you try to survive without.
Buckner’s Still Buckner
Despite being sidelined since Week 9, Buckner is expected to return this week - and just in time. He’s been his usual disruptive self when on the field this season, with 33 pressures and 11 quarterback hits.
That’s more than just solid - that’s elite interior pressure. For comparison, the entire 49ers defensive tackle group has combined for 40 pressures and six QB hits.
That’s right - one Buckner is nearly matching the production of an entire unit.
And he’s doing it on a $13 million base salary this season. That number might’ve scared off the 49ers back in 2020, but given the production and leadership Buckner brings, it’s hard not to wonder if the team would make the same choice today.
Shanahan Still Holds Buckner in High Regard
Kyle Shanahan hasn’t forgotten what Buckner meant to that 2019 Super Bowl run. Speaking with the media this week, Shanahan praised Buckner’s talent and character:
“Yeah, Buck looks like the same guy to me. Buck was huge for us.
Such a stud of a person when we got here... He did things the right way from day one.
Such a good talent. One of the main reasons we had such a good [defensive line] in ‘19.”
That ‘19 unit was something special - a group that could rotate pass rushers like hockey lines and overwhelm offensive lines with sheer depth and talent. Buckner was the anchor in the middle, the guy who made everything work. Losing him didn’t just hurt the stat sheet; it altered the entire identity of the defense.
Another Familiar Face: Samson Ebukam
Buckner won’t be the only familiar face lining up for the Colts on Monday night. Former 49er Samson Ebukam will also be looking to make an impact against his old squad.
Ebukam’s not a star, but he’s been a productive role player for Indy this season. He’s started one game, playing around 42% of the snaps, but he’s made the most of that time - tallying two sacks, 23 pressures, and 13 run stops.
For context, Sam Okayinonu - one of the 49ers’ current rotational linemen - has 19 combined pressures and stops. So while the numbers aren’t dramatically different, Ebukam’s steady presence adds to the Colts’ defensive depth and gives them another player with a little extra motivation this week.
The Lingering Impact
The Buckner trade wasn’t just a roster move - it was a franchise-defining decision. It reshaped the 49ers’ defensive identity and set off a chain reaction of draft picks, signings, and hopeful replacements that still haven’t quite filled the gap.
As Buckner prepares to take the field against his former team, it’s a reminder of what once was - and what’s still missing. The 49ers have built a strong defense around stars like Bosa and Fred Warner, but the ghost of Buckner still lingers in the trenches.
And on Monday night, he’ll have a chance to remind them - up close and personal - just how much they gave up.