What happened: Acquired from the Indianapolis Colts for a 2027 fourth-round pick, DeForest Buckner immediately steps in as the sack leader on defensive coordinator Raheem Morris' roster, per Mike Garafolo. According to ESPN research, San Francisco has generated pressure on just 23% of dropbacks when rushing four or fewer defenders, the second-lowest rate in the NFL ahead of only the Washington Commanders.

Why it matters: The 6-1 49ers hold the NFC's No. 2 seed despite dropping a 29-20 road game to the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 25, where a lack of standard four-man disruption forced heavier blitz commitments. Reuniting with the veteran defensive tackle San Francisco targeted gives Morris an interior pass rusher capable of collapsing pockets without sacrificing coverage shells. The move also counters NFC West rival Seattle, which sits at 4-3 and acquired Colts guard Quenton Nelson for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

What to watch: Buckner integrates into San Francisco's defensive front ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline. His early snap share under Morris will test whether the 49ers can elevate their four-man pressure rate against divisional protection schemes.