Former Punahou, 49ers star DeForest Buckner traded to Colts
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sacked by San Francisco 49ers’ DeForest Buckner during the second half of a game, Feb. 2, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
The San Francisco 49ers have has traded former Punahou, Oregon and 49ers star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts for a first-round draft pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Schefter reported that Buckner has already agreed to a $21 million a year deal, making him the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history behind the Rams Aaron Donald.
Buckner later went to Instagram to thank the 49ers:
“I want to thank the 49ers Organization for taking a chance on me 4 years ago. You’ve given me the opportunity to live my dream and starrt my own legacy. It’s been one hell of a journey, from 2-14 my rookie year to the Super Bowl this past season.”
Buckner was not only a mainstay on the defensive front, he also was dependable. He missed just one game in four seasons with the 49ers. In the last two seasons, he collected 19 1/2 sacks.
In 2019, he received the Bill Walsh Award, voted on by team coaches for professional excellence.
Buckner was a first-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2016. He was picked seventh overall. The 49ers will get the 13th overall pick from the Colts in the upcoming NFL Draft in April.
The deal came after Buckner’s friend and fellow Oregon alum Arik Armstead signed a five-year, $85 million deal.
