What happened: San Francisco will pay the remaining $7.944 million on DeForest Buckner's contract for the rest of the 2026 season after acquiring the three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman from Indianapolis, per Tom Pelissero. The trade sends a 2027 fourth-round selection to the Colts and reunites Buckner with the franchise where he began his NFL career before he reaches unrestricted free agency in March.

Why it matters: San Francisco upgrades an interior pass rush that ranks 24th in NFL pressure rate without committing salary cap space beyond this season. Moving the veteran defender clears the remaining 2026 cash obligation for Indianapolis as the club shifts toward future draft assets ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline.

What to watch: Buckner joins San Francisco's defensive front for Week 8, and his expiring contract leaves him eligible to test the open market in March if no extension is reached.