49ers Release CB Jack Jones as DeForest Buckner Trade Becomes Official
San Francisco cleared a roster spot for Buckner by cutting a veteran corner who had played sparingly this season
The 49ers made the DeForest Buckner trade official Wednesday and released cornerback Jack Jones to make room for him on the roster, Adam Schefter reported.
49ers announced they officially have acquired DL DeForest Buckner from the Colts in exchange for the team’s 2027 fourth-round pick. In order to make room on the roster, the 49ers released CB Jack Jones.View on X →
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter): 49ers announced they officially have acquired DL DeForest Buckner from the Colts in exchange for the team’s 2027 fourth-round pick. In order to make room on the roster, the 49ers released CB Jack Jones.
San Francisco sends the Colts its 2027 fourth-round pick for Buckner in a deal first reported Tuesday. It's a reunion. Buckner was a 49ers first-round pick and spent four seasons in San Francisco before he was traded to Indianapolis in 2020. He comes back as a three-time Pro Bowler to a defensive line that has been banged up, with Nick Bosa among the starters who missed time this month.
Jones was the odd man out. The veteran corner had played just 20% of the 49ers' defensive snaps this season, according to Ari Meirov, and had 11 tackles and three passes defensed in a reserve role. He has a knack for big plays when he does get on the field, with eight career interceptions, four of them returned for touchdowns. That kind of résumé could draw a look from teams thin at corner, and he's free to sign anywhere.
For the 49ers, the cost is minimal. They didn't need Jones in their rotation, and Buckner gives them a proven interior pass rusher for the stretch run.
San Francisco is 6-1 and leads the NFC West. The 49ers are on their bye this week, which gives Buckner time to settle in before they host the Raiders on Nov. 8.