The move was understandable from the 49ers' side, if an unfortunate side effect of a talented, well-paid roster. After handing Arik Armstead nearly the same five-year, $85 million contract Monday that the team gave Dee Ford a year ago, the 49ers didn't have room for Buckner. Armstead is not the same player as Buckner, but he came at a cheaper price and also provides versatility. The mistake, in hindsight, was giving up a second-round pick and a big deal for Ford, who has struggled to stay on the field for much of his career. But the 49ers did well to get a premium pick in this Buckner deal and can use their two first-rounders to trade down or replenish their roster with top-shelf talent in April. (The 49ers still don't have picks in the second, third or fourth rounds in 2020.) The 49ers could afford to lose Buckner because their defensive line remains deep and the core of their team. Now it's on general manager John Lynch to make the pick he received count.