The 49ers didn’t just bring back DeForest Buckner last week. They brought back a familiar tone-setter.
Six years after sending the former Pro Bowl defensive tackle to the Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco reunited with Buckner and dropped him right into a starting job alongside Osa Odighizuwa. At 32, he gives the defensive front a veteran voice and a proven presence in a room that leans young. The price was a fourth-round pick, and the fit was obvious enough that the deal came together quickly.
Buckner’s return also sets up a full-circle moment: his first game back with the 49ers will come after the 2019 Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. San Francisco is trying to get back there - and finish the job this time, with its first championship since 1995 in sight.
Even before he’s played a snap, Buckner has already made an impression inside the building.
“Oh, it’s awesome,” running back Christian McCaffrey said of Buckner’s arrival. “I think just even in the walkthrough today, you look out there, you got Bosa, you got him out there, all these other [guys].
You’re like, okay, definitely gives you a little boost of confidence. So pumped he’s on our team.”
Nick Bosa was just as direct about what Buckner brings to the defensive line. For him, this wasn’t only about adding talent - it was about adding a voice the younger players can follow.
“Yeah, 100%, [we feel a boost],” Bosa said of his former teammate. “I think we needed some leadership, not that we don’t have a couple good leaders in the D-line room, but a guy who’s played this scheme a lot, and we have some emerging young D-tackles, so it’s a perfect fit, really.”
Fred Warner, who played with Buckner for two seasons in 2018 and 2019, pointed to the effect Buckner had on him early in his own career.
“It means everything,” Warner added. “It was special when I found out that we had an opportunity or really when we did get him.
That was the guy when I came in as a rookie, I think he was in his 3rd year and he was what everything that we were looking for as a 49er. Just building the culture and the standard here.
“He was that, you know, and I learned so much from him early on. And, you know, it was unfortunate, the business side of it, obviously having to be traded to the Colts, but it’s rare you get a second opportunity to come home, right?
And so I know he’s excited. I’m excited.
He looks phenomenal. And it helps when you have really talented players on the defensive line.
It makes my job easier.”
There’s still a chance San Francisco keeps working the defensive line market. Reports have said the 49ers are still looking for a pass-rusher, and Kyle Shanahan said the team is continuing to explore moves that make sense. That could leave the door open for another veteran addition.
Bosa, though, sounded comfortable with where things stand after Buckner’s arrival.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Bosa said when asked about the possibility of another addition. “Yeah, I don’t know.
It seems like we’re pretty stacked. [Buckner’s] the blueprint and, and now we get to watch it in person.”
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