Indianapolis Colts Undergo Major Roster Shakeup

The Indianapolis Colts are actively restructuring their team by trading key players for future draft picks. The team’s latest move involves sending defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back to the San Francisco 49ers, in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2027 draft.

This is part of a broader strategy led by interim general manager Ed Dodds, who had also overseen the trade of Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the day. The Colts have managed to secure a third-round pick, a fourth-round pick for 2027, and another fifth-round pick for 2028 through these transactions.

Buckner will be returning to the 49ers, the team that drafted him in 2016, and where he played until 2019. During his time with the Colts, Buckner accumulated 420 tackles and 47 sacks over six seasons. The trade is subject to Buckner passing a physical.

Alongside Buckner and Nelson, the Colts are exploring further trade options, potentially involving running back Jonathan Taylor, defensive tackle Grover Stewart, and receivers Keenan Allen and Josh Downs. These moves indicate the team’s focus on future rebuilding rather than salvaging the current season.

As the Colts continue to lose talent, the immediate future seems challenging for head coach Shane Steichen, who is under pressure to win this year to retain his position.

In parallel, the New York Jets benefit from this scenario. Last season, they traded cornerback Sauce Gardner to Indianapolis, receiving first-round picks for 2026 and 2027. The Colts’ decline could improve the value of the Jets’ 2027 first-round pick.