DeForest Buckner: Trade Details, Height, Wife and 49ers Return

DeForest Buckner is an NFL defensive tackle known for his strength, pass-rushing ability and consistent performances on the defensive line. The former Indianapolis Colts star is making headlines again after a major trade in October 2026 sent him back to the San Francisco 49ers, the team that drafted him in 2016.

The trade marks a new chapter in Buckner’s career. Fans are also searching for details about his previous trade, his height, his family and his NFL achievements.

Did DeForest Buckner Get Traded?

Yes. DeForest Buckner was traded from the Indianapolis Colts to the San Francisco 49ers on October 27, 2026. The deal reunites the veteran defensive tackle with the franchise where he began his professional career. The trade was reported as pending a physical.

The move came as Indianapolis continued reshaping its roster ahead of the NFL trade deadline. For San Francisco, bringing Buckner back adds an experienced defensive lineman who already understands the organisation and its expectations.

Buckner spent seven seasons with the Colts after joining them in 2020. During that period, he became one of the team’s most productive defensive players, earning first-team All-Pro recognition and multiple Pro Bowl selections.

His return to San Francisco gives the 49ers a familiar veteran presence as they look to strengthen their defensive front for the remainder of the 2026 season.

DeForest Buckner Trade Details

The 2026 trade sends Buckner back to San Francisco in exchange for a future draft selection.

The deal represents a reunion between Buckner and the franchise that selected him seventh overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. San Francisco originally traded him to Indianapolis in March 2020 for the 13th overall pick in that year’s draft.

That selection was used to draft defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. The 49ers made the original move in part because of salary-cap considerations, while Indianapolis gained an established defensive star.

In 2026, the teams reversed their relationship by completing another trade involving Buckner. This time, San Francisco acquired the veteran for a fourth-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Why Did the 49ers Trade for DeForest Buckner?

San Francisco needed additional strength and experience on its defensive line. Buckner’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and defend against the run makes him a valuable addition.

Before the trade, he recorded four sacks in seven games during the 2026 season. He also produced eight quarterback hits, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

His familiarity with the 49ers organisation is another advantage. Buckner played for San Francisco during the first four seasons of his NFL career and helped the team reach Super Bowl LIV following the 2019 season.

The reunion also gives the 49ers a proven veteran who can contribute immediately. His experience should help strengthen the defensive interior while giving the coaching staff another dependable option against both running and passing plays.

DeForest Buckner Height and Weight

DeForest Buckner stands 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 metres) tall and weighs approximately 295 pounds (134 kilograms). His official Indianapolis Colts profile lists him at that height and weight.

His size is a significant advantage at defensive tackle. Buckner combines long arms and powerful hands with the strength needed to challenge offensive linemen at the line of scrimmage.

Despite playing in the interior of the defensive line, he can generate pressure on passing downs and help close running lanes. His physical attributes have contributed to his success throughout his NFL career.

Buckner wears jersey number 99 with the Colts. Fans should check the 49ers’ current roster for confirmation of his number following the 2026 trade.

Who Is DeForest Buckner’s Wife?

DeForest Buckner is married to Ashlyn Buckner. The couple have three children: two sons, Dominic and Jordan, and a daughter, Gianna, according to the Colts’ official player biography.

Buckner generally keeps the focus on his football career and does not publicly share every detail of his family life. However, his family has been part of his journey throughout his professional career.

His move back to San Francisco also means a new transition for the family after several seasons in Indianapolis. The trade brings Buckner back to a city where he previously spent the opening years of his NFL career.

DeForest Buckner’s NFL Career and Stats

Buckner entered the NFL after playing college football at the University of Oregon. The San Francisco 49ers selected him with the seventh overall pick in 2016.

He quickly established himself as a productive defensive tackle, using his strength and athleticism to challenge offensive linemen. During his time in San Francisco, he earned Pro Bowl recognition and became an important part of the team’s defensive unit.

His performances helped the 49ers reach Super Bowl LIV in the 2019 season. Although San Francisco lost that game to the Kansas City Chiefs, Buckner delivered strong postseason performances.

Indianapolis acquired him in March 2020 and signed him to a contract extension. He continued to produce sacks, tackles for loss and quarterback pressures during his time with the Colts.

Over seven seasons in Indianapolis, Buckner recorded:

• 47 sacks

• 122 quarterback hits

• 63 tackles for loss

• Six forced fumbles

• 20 passes batted down

Those totals came across 95 games, including 90 starts, according to the Colts’ announcement of his 2026 trade.

Buckner also earned first-team Associated Press All-Pro honours in 2020 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2023. These achievements underline his value as an interior defensive lineman.

What Does DeForest Buckner’s Trade Mean for the Colts?

For Indianapolis, trading Buckner provides a future draft pick while continuing the team’s roster changes during the 2026 season.

The Colts acquired him in 2020 by giving up a first-round selection. In return, they received seven seasons of high-level defensive production and a veteran leader on the defensive line.

The new deal signals a different direction for the franchise. Instead of retaining the 32-year-old defensive tackle, Indianapolis chose to receive a fourth-round pick in the 2027 draft.

Buckner’s departure also leaves the Colts needing to adjust their defensive line rotation. Replacing his combination of experience, size and pass-rushing production will be a challenge.

What Does Buckner’s Return Mean for the 49ers?

For San Francisco, the trade brings back a familiar player who previously helped the franchise reach the Super Bowl.

Buckner’s return could improve the team’s ability to generate pressure from the middle of the defensive line. Interior pressure often forces quarterbacks to move away from their preferred positions, creating opportunities for other defenders.

His experience should also help the defensive unit manage the demands of the second half of the season. However, his impact will depend on his health, his integration into the defensive scheme and the team’s overall performance.

The move gives San Francisco an experienced player without surrendering a first-round selection. The cost is a 2027 fourth-round pick, making the trade a relatively limited draft investment for a proven veteran.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Did DeForest Buckner get traded in 2026?

Yes. The Indianapolis Colts traded Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers on October 27, 2026, for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. The deal was reported as pending a physical.

2. What are the DeForest Buckner trade details?

The 49ers acquired Buckner from the Colts in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. It marks his return to the franchise that drafted him in 2016.

3. How tall is DeForest Buckner?

Buckner is 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 295 pounds.

4. Who is DeForest Buckner’s wife?

DeForest Buckner is married to Ashlyn Buckner. They have three children: Dominic, Jordan and Gianna.

5. Which NFL team drafted DeForest Buckner?

The San Francisco 49ers selected Buckner seventh overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with the franchise before being traded to Indianapolis in 2020.

6. Why did the Colts trade DeForest Buckner?

Indianapolis traded Buckner during its 2026 roster reshaping, receiving a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. The move also allowed San Francisco to bring back an experienced defensive tackle.

Conclusion

DeForest Buckner’s 2026 trade marks a significant reunion with the San Francisco 49ers. Indianapolis received a 2027 fourth-round draft pick, while San Francisco added an experienced defensive tackle who previously helped the team reach the Super Bowl.

At 6 feet 7 inches tall, Buckner brings size, strength and proven pass-rushing ability. His marriage to Ashlyn and their three children are also part of his personal story. As the 2026 season continues, his return to San Francisco will be one of the key developments for the 49ers’ defensive line.