NFL world reacts to blockbuster trade of All-Pro DeForest Buckner to Colts

Monday has been full of surprises, and we got another when the San Francisco 49ers traded All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Colts are sending their first-round pick (No. 13 overall) to the 49ers in exchange for Buckner, and that they agreed to a huge contract that pays him $21 million per year.

Trade AND deal: Colts trade first-round pick (13th overall) to 49ers for All-Pro DT DeForest Buckner, who already has agreed to a massive contract that pays him $21 million a year and makes him the second-highest paid DT in NFL history behind only Aaron Donald, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020

Truly a stunning trade, by any measure.

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The Colts are clearly gearing up for a championship run with an undetermined quarterback (likely Philip Rivers).

The 49ers, who just paid former first-round pick Arik Armstead a big chunk of cash Monday, are set to retool with another huge impact first-round pick in the first half of Round 1.

As news of this blockbuster trade circulated around social media, NFL fans and analysts alike shared their thoughts.

The #49ers get the draft capital they need and want while DeForest Buckner gets the pay he has earned and deserves. https://t.co/zp83prmyxI
— Jennifer Lee Chan – threads @jenniferleechan (@jenniferleechan) March 16, 2020

Been saying for weeks the Colts have been targeting the defensive line. This is a BIG move that means the Colts likely won't have a shot at one of the top QBs in April's draft. https://t.co/rGCNSWxYTQ
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 16, 2020

Wow on multiple levels….

1. The 49ers are back in the top half of the first round of the NFL Draft (No. 13)

2. $21 million annually for DeForest Buckner from the Colts, which is obviously way more than the 49ers could’ve paid him, given that $17 million was max for Armstead https://t.co/ZrdFMwH94x
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) March 16, 2020

Avoiding DeForest Buckner's contract at $21M APY and receiving a top-15 pick via trade is a huge win for San Francisco.
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) March 16, 2020

Colts give up No. 13 overall, 49ers acquire much needed draft capital. And trade one of the best DTs in the league to get it.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 16, 2020

Imagine Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs with Kyle Shanahan
— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick1) March 16, 2020

49ers needed to add draft picks. I didn't see this one coming! https://t.co/TFkm6zny2T
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 16, 2020

I would bet the house Shanahan is looking at Jeudy/CeeDee/Ruggs with that 13th overall pick
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) March 16, 2020

A shocking turn of events as #49ers keep DL Arik Armstead and deal DT DeForest Buckner within hours of each other. Have to think the price tag for Buckner was ultimately too rich for what the Niners wanted to pay and they went with AA + 1st rounder + cap savings instead.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) March 16, 2020