The reigning Super Bowl champions pulled off the first blockbuster trade of the season.
On Tuesday, the Colts traded eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and 2028 fifth-round pick.
It appears Indianapolis is also actively shopping defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and expect him to be moved if the right offer comes along. The 49ers have been linked to Buckner in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline.
Can the 49ers pull off a sufficient deal to acquire the three-time Pro Bowler?
Nelson would have been a huge addition in San Francisco. The 49ers’ offensive line has given up seven sacks over the last three games after giving up none through the first four weeks of the season.
Nelson would have replaced Connor Colby in the unit, but instead Seattle struck a deal and just got much scarier. The NFC West is heating up, and the 49ers must counter and make a move.
Buckner seems like the obvious option.
The veteran spent the first four seasons of his career with San Francisco, so the front office is familiar with the type of player it would be trading for in Buckner. The 49ers’ bye week also presents a perfect time for the team to orchestrate a deal.
The Seahawks struck, now the ball is in San Francisco’s court.