It’s still early, so there’s no need to panic
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the San Francisco 49ers and star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner have had contract negotiations for a long-term deal but are far apart, source said. Agent Chafie Fields talked with SF brass in the last few days, but there is no deal in sight. The 49ers picked up his option on April 24 and is a priority for them.
This will likely lead to quite a bit of overreaction. As of today, the team could be far apart from a deal. By the time Friday comes around, they could have found a middle ground. One thing that I know is you don’t let guys as talented as Buckner see the market. I don’t foresee that happening. Buckner just turned 25-years old in March and is coming off a year where he put up 12 sacks and had the sixth most pressures in the NFL. He’s a guy that you pay.
We’ll keep a close eye on this situation, but this could simply be a leverage play. Buckner will get his money, and the 49ers will give it to him. They have to. That’s what you do with star players. When Buckner starts to hold out, that’s when I will start to worry, or at least take this more seriously.
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