San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan opened up about the difficult decision to trade star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts, calling it one of the toughest moves he’s faced in his NFL career.
Shanahan Reflects on Trading Buckner
The trade took place just over a month after the 49ers’ Super Bowl loss, sending shockwaves through the team and fans. Buckner, a three-time Pro Bowler, was traded for a first-round draft pick in March 2020.
On NBC Sports Bay Area’s “49ers Game Plan,” Shanahan said, “We’ve had some tough decisions since then, but I would say that was the toughest, because it wasn’t something that you had to do. But it was something that was the right thing, and it had nothing to do with DeForest. He was that good of a player and, gosh, I wish he was still here.”
Buckner’s Impact and Career
During his time with the 49ers, Buckner earned about $5.8 million over four seasons. He was due for a pay raise that would have made him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league. The trade allowed the team to create salary cap space to re-sign key players like defensive lineman Arik Armstead and defensive back Jimmie Ward.
Buckner has already faced his former team twice since the trade. Notably, in a 2021 matchup at Levi’s Stadium during heavy rain, Buckner recorded a sack and six tackles, helping the Colts win 30-18.
Why the 49ers Made the Trade
The 49ers’ front office, led by Shanahan and GM John Lynch, saw trading Buckner as a way to maintain the core of the team while still competing for Super Bowls. The first-round pick acquired in the trade allowed the team to select defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, adding talent to key positions.
Shanahan explained, “Having to trade Buck sucked so bad, getting a first-round pick, being able to sign a couple Pro Bowl players, too, because of it really balanced this out and allowed us to carry some things. But, man, I wish we didn’t have to do that because Buck was that good of a player and an even-better human.”
Looking Ahead
Buckner’s departure was painful for both the team and fans, but the 49ers believe the trade has helped them remain competitive while managing their salary cap effectively. As Buckner faces his former team in upcoming games, his legacy in San Francisco continues to be remembered both for his talent on the field and his character off it.
Conclusion
Trading DeForest Buckner remains one of the toughest decisions Kyle Shanahan has made as 49ers coach. While it was a strategic move to strengthen the team’s future, both Shanahan and fans still feel the sting of losing a player of Buckner’s caliber. The trade highlights the difficult balance NFL teams face between talent, team cohesion, and financial strategy.
