Colts trade Buckner for 2027 fourth-round pick

The Indianapolis Colts sent defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The move ends a seven-year partnership with teammate Grover Stewart, who describes the loss as a deep personal hit during the team's ongoing rebuild.

Stewart, a 33-year-old in his final year on a three-year, $39 million deal, has played alongside Buckner for the last seven seasons. Buckner was named a team captain in every year he spent in Indianapolis and was widely regarded as the defense's most vocal leader. Stewart said he now feels the responsibility to maintain that standard for the younger players in the locker room.

"It really hurt me," Stewart said. "Seeing my guy going back home and stuff like that. It hurt me. It’s a lifetime bond, man. Brother, best friend, the dynamic duo. Like, it’s just a bond you can’t never break, man."

The trade arrives at a turbulent time for the Colts. General Manager Chris Ballard was fired, and longtime offensive guard Quenton Nelson was traded to Seattle. With the team holding a 2-5 record, Stewart said he focuses on not reacting to the chaos around him. "My goal is don’t flinch, man," he said. "I still got a job to do, so I’m going to stick to doing my job."

Stewart was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. As the trade deadline approaches, he said he will wait until the season ends to determine his future. The deadline is set for Tuesday, November 10, at 4 p.m.

The Colts travel to Jacksonville, Florida, on Sunday, November 1, to face the 4-2 Jaguars.