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Colts part with coveted pick to obtain DL DeForest Buckner from 49ers

On what will be remembered as a historic Monday afternoon in Indianapolis Colts history, Chris Ballard fed his “obsession” and addressed a major team need. Saying earlier this offseason that he was consumed by a need to upgrade the Colts defensive front, the fourth-year general manager went out into the trade market and made a blockbuster deal for 49ers star DeForest Buckner, then signing him to a five-year contract extension worth $21 million annually, according to a league source.

The cost was steep. Beyond the price tag -- which sees Buckner become the second-highest paid defensive tackle in the game behind only Aaron Donald -- going back to San Francisco is the Colts’ first-round pick (No.