49ers reacquire DeForest Buckner to boost pass rush before trade deadline

The San Francisco 49ers have reacquired defensive lineman DeForest Buckner in a trade that involved a fourth-round draft pick, according to the SF Standard. Buckner, who spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the 49ers, returns to address a key defensive weakness.

This move comes after the 49ers' recent loss to the Atlanta Falcons, where the defense managed only three quarterback pressures. The team’s pass rush has struggled significantly, ranking 19th in ESPN’s pass-rush win rate and generating a 23% pressure rate when rushing four linemen, the second-worst in the NFL this season.

The 49ers' defense remains in the top 10 for expected points added per play, but the pass rush issues have become more apparent, especially without star player Nick Bosa. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has increased blitzing to 25.4% of plays this year, up from 18.3% last season under former coordinator Robert Saleh, which can leave the defense vulnerable.

General Manager John Lynch may continue to seek upgrades before the November 10 trade deadline, signaling that the team is actively working to strengthen its defense ahead of the remainder of the season.