DeForest Buckner passes physical, completing 49ers' trade with Colts

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The 49ers official bid farewell to defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on Wednesday, as the trade that sends him to the Indianapolis Colts, became official.

Buckner passed a physical to finalize the trade in which the 49ers receive the Colts’ first-round selection, No. 13 overall.

"On behalf of the 49ers organization, I want to extend our most sincere appreciation to DeForest for his many contributions to the team and our community," 49ers general manager John Lynch said in a statement.

"It has truly been a privilege to work with DeFo these last three years and he deserves a great deal of credit for helping us to build the foundation of this team and reestablish a championship culture. He and his wife, Ashlyn, are special people and we wish them the very best in their next chapter of life."

Buckner, who was voted as the winner of the Bill Walsh Award as the team MVP, was long viewed as a cornerstone of the organization. But the 49ers determined they could not afford to retain both Buckner and Arik Armstead for the long term.

[RELATEDHow 49ers will try to replace DeForest Buckner along defensive line]

The 49ers worked out a contract with Armstead this week that pays him $17 million over five seasons. The Colts signed Buckner to a deal that averages $21 million over the life of his five-year deal.

Buckner, who turned 26 on Tuesday, has registered 28.5 sacks in four seasons, including a career-best 12.5 in 2018.

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