The San Francisco 49ers got DeForest Buckner back in the fold with a trade that made all the sense in the world. He had his first press conference since the trade on Monday and made it very clear what the goal is now that he is back.
Buckner said the following to the media on his return: “It is unfinished business. They had the opportunity back in ‘23…they weren’t able to finish…I know the standard here. It’s very high. It’s Super Bowl or bust.”
That will likely be music to the ears of 49ers fans who finally want to see this team get over the hump and win a Super Bowl for the first time in over thirty years. Left unsaid was the fact that the last game Buckner played in as a member of the 49ers was Super Bowl back LIV, when San Francisco fell to the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time.
DeForest Buckner could help 49ers get over hump they've been stuck on
This franchise has been knocking, practically banging, on the door for so long that one would think it’s only a matter of time before the 49ers are able to win it all, but it doesn’t always work that way. Ask the Buffalo Bills of the 1990s.
The 49ers have a great chance this year so long as they stay healthy. Buckner's presence gives the defensive line a huge boost, which should also rejuvinate the team's attempt to secure the top seed in the NFC and secure a postseason bye..
Of course, if the 49ers really do want to go all-in on this season, it may be in general manager John Lynch’s best interest to make a few more moves. The red and gold could use some more depth at wide receiver just in case injuries don't heel the way they are supposed to, and getting another edge rusher in the mix would not be a bad idea.
Depth is going to be key for this team, so stockpiling solid players for the second half should be San Francisco’s priority, especially since the Buckner move clearly signaled the team is going for it all.
It would be fitting for Buckner's reunion tour to end while hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy, given that he begna his career with the Niners all the way back in 2017. That year, both John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan took over the reins, and they entrusted DeForest Buckner to be a franchise cornerstone on defense.
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