The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Indianapolis Colts, reuniting with Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, whom they dealt to Indy back in the 2020 offseason.
While the move certainly improves coordinator Raheem Morris' defensive front, some may see it as a bit of a head-scratcher, especially after the offseason's trade for former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and in light of rookie Gracen Halton's maturation.
On the surface, Buckner's return would cut into both Odighizuwa and Halton's snaps while also pushing other fringe interior defenders like James Thompson Jr. further down the depth chart. That's bad news for them, right?
Well, not exactly.
DeForest Buckner trade impacts 2 players who aren't even on 49ers' active roster
Remember, this isn't the same old Robert Saleh-style defensive front the Niners once deployed when Buckner was last with the squad—a four-man base with three linebackers.
Instead, Morris frequently uses five-man fronts with three defensive tackles deployed, plus two edge rushers. Now, the fact Buckner used to serve as a defensive end early in his pro career gives Morris options here, and much of it will depend on how an outside pass-rushing foursome of Nick Bosa, Romello Height, Keion White and Mykel Williams are utilized.
On the interior, Buckner's already-established run-stopping capabilities may make it a bit of a luxury to keep Halton off the field except in pass-only situations, thereby lessening the reliance on both players.
If anything, San Francisco's biggest loser might be defensive tackle C.J. West in the immediate future, potentially second-year pro Alfred Collins (on season-ending injured reserve) in the long run, should Buckner opt to re-sign this offseason.
Those two 2025 draft picks swiftly just became expendable.
West seemed to be in hot water early in the season before landing on IR, and Collins didn't help his chances for a sophomore surge by suffering a season-ending injury on the eve of the 49ers' first regular-season bout in Australia.
If anything, those two stand the most to lose in the wake of Buckner's arrival, particularly if he stays.
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