On April 24, the San Francisco 49ers exercised the fifth-year option on defensive tackle DeForest Buckner's rookie contract, ensuring he remains through the 2020 season. The team remains hopeful that it can work out a long-term deal which will keep the Pro Bowl player in San Francisco well beyond that.
While a long-term deal remains a priority for the 49ers, the two sides aren't close to seeing that happen, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Talks between the team and Buckner's agent have taken place over the last few days, and nothing seems imminent.
The #49ers and star DL DeForest Buckner have had contract negotations 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. They picked up his option last week and is a priority for them.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 6, 2019
"We've had conversations here and there," Buckner told reporters in April before the fifth-year option was picked up. "Honestly, it's just very early, just because I'm eligible for a new contract going into my fourth year. It's still very early in the process."
Buckner, 25, registered 67 combined tackles, a career-high 12 sacks, and three passes defensed through 16 starts with the 49ers in 2018. He became the first 49ers player since 2012 to have 10-or-more sacks in a single season.
Buckner earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl as an alternate following the 2018 season.
General manager John Lynch believes a deal will get done and feels there is more than enough time to do so.
"I would love nothing more than for DeFo to be here," Lynch said before the draft. "We've got a long time to work on that. He's very important to us, and he's another guy who's a big part of what we're doing. I just love everything about him, and the way he goes about his business. I think he's a special player, and we'd like to keep him here for a long time."
