Colts Acquire All-Pro Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner From 49ers

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INDIANAPOLIS — "The three technique drives this thing."


Those were the words of Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard, speaking to reporters Jan. 2 after wrapping up the 2019 season.


The Indy defense certainly had its moments in 2019, highlighted by a masterful performance Week 5 on the road in a win against the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, when the Colts limited quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the high-powered Chiefs offense to a season-low 13 points.


But as the season wore on, Ballard realized he needed a little more oomph out of the defense, particularly up front — and, more specifically, from the interior of the defensive line.


So what did Ballard and the Colts do? They went out and got them a whole lotta oomph.


The team today announced it has finalized a trade to acquire All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the San Francisco 49ers; in exchange, Indy sends its 2020 first-round (13th-overall) pick to San Francisco.


In addition, the Colts have signed Buckner to a contract extension; terms were not immediately released.


"DeForest is a premier defensive tackle in this league and we're thrilled to add him to our roster," Ballard said. "Adding a player of his caliber demonstrates the importance and commitment of building a strong defensive front. He will bring a veteran presence to our locker room and will lead with his work ethic. DeForest's consistency as a pro on and off the field will make us a better team."


The Colts were looking for a playmaker at the three technique position, and that's exactly what they're getting in Buckner. A 6-foot-7, 295-pound Oregon product, Buckner — who turned just 26 years old on Tuesday — has started all 63 games in which he's competed since being selected by the 49ers with the seventh-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.


Over than span, Buckner, a team captain for the 49ers, has collected 262 career tackles (38 for a loss) with 28.5 sacks, 11 passes defensed, seven fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. He also has one fumble recovery for a touchdown and six career multiple-sack games.