Buckner Deal Anchors 49ers’ Trade Deadline Grade

San Francisco’s deadline activity amounted to two deals, with the return of defensive tackle DeForest Buckner viewed as the defining move. The 49ers sent Indianapolis a 2027 fourth-round pick for Buckner on October 27, then traded a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Colts for veteran receiver Keenan Allen hours before the deadline on November 10, 2026.

Buckner is a major addition to the defensive front, bringing ability against the run and as a pass rusher. His presence could also create more opportunities for the rest of the line, including Nick Bosa, who is back, and Osa Odighizuwa, another highly regarded interior defender. A stronger rush up the middle could also help San Francisco’s secondary.

The group’s showing against the Las Vegas Raiders offered little immediate evidence of that potential: the 49ers recorded nine pressures on Kirk Cousins but did not sack him. Coach Kyle Shanahan liked the performance, and the assessment of the deadline moves was that the talented unit could still produce more disruption.

The main reservation was San Francisco’s failure to add another top-level defensive lineman, particularly an edge rusher. But no premier pass rusher changed teams at the deadline, and the Chargers kept Khalil Mack. The 49ers were also seen as unlikely to land a receiver at Garrett Wilson’s level.

Allen is expected to add depth rather than transform the offense. Buckner, by contrast, was considered a substantial answer to the team’s defensive needs. Taken together, the two trades earned San Francisco a B.