Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) and Indianapolis Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis (94) move in to sack Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Chicago Bears)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) and Indianapolis Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis (94) move in to sack Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Chicago Bears)
DeForest Buckner’s frustration with the Indianapolis Colts has opened the door to talk about a reunion with the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran defensive tackle spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the 49ers before being traded in 2020, and his recent comments have made a return feel worth discussing; with the trade deadline approaching, they have a reason to listen.
Richard Sherman likes the idea. The former Niners cornerback did not make a formal pitch on Buckner’s behalf; however, his comments made it clear where he stands, and with the 49ers looking to strengthen their defensive front, the timing of a reunion could make sense.
Richard Sherman Wants DeForest Buckner Back In San Francisco
Indianapolis Colts, DeForest Buckner
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
On October 19, “OurSF49ers” shared Sherman’s comments from the Richard Sherman Podcast, where he suggested Buckner should be looking closely at his former team. Sherman then drew a musical analogy to describe Buckner’s continued connection to the Niners, pointing to the familiarity between the defensive tackle and the team that drafted him.
“If I’m Deforest Buckner, I’d be looking longingly at the team that’s number one in both of our power rankings. And j would be saying, I remember a song and dance I used to do with somebody that used to know my favorite song and my favorite dance. And they drafted me to do the dance.”
Richard Sherman believes Deforest Buckner should reunite with the 49ers:
“If I’m Deforest Buckner, I’d be looking longingly at the team that’s number one in both of our power rankings. And j would be saying, I remember a song and dance I used to do with somebody that used to… pic.twitter.com/o7R4ojdKmn
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) October 19, 2026
It was an indirect way of saying Buckner already knows what the 49ers ask of him, and they know what he can bring. They selected him seventh overall in 2016, and he became one of the key pieces of its defensive line before the trade to the Colts.
The veteran recorded 28.5 sacks across four seasons with the 49ers. His final year with the 49ers did end with a Super Bowl appearance, and he earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2019. The team traded him to the Colts the following offseason for the 13th overall pick, with Indianapolis subsequently handing him a major contract extension.
The move worked out for Buckner individually; however, the Colts have struggled to build sustained success. His frustration became public after Indianapolis’ loss to the Tennessee Titans, when he said he was tired of the same problems recurring every year. That comment quickly fueled speculation about his future.
The Niners have their own reasons to consider bringing him back. Injuries have taken a toll on the defensive line, with Nick Bosa still recovering from a calf injury and Alfred Collins ruled out for the season.
There is also a financial question. The Colts DT carries a reported $26.6 million cap hit in 2026, though his remaining salary and contract structure would factor into any trade discussions.
The club has already brought back familiar faces Deebo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw this year. The 32-year-old would be a much bigger addition to the defensive front, and Sherman’s comments add another prominent voice to the growing case for bringing him home.