49ers' DeForest Buckner: Team exercises fifth-year option

The 49ers exercised the fifth-year option on Buckner's rookie contract Wednesday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The two sides could eventually agree to an extension this offseason, but Buckner is nonetheless under 49ers control for the next two seasons. After finishing third in sacks (12) among all defensive lineman last season, he'll now be complemented by a proven pass-rush specialist in offseason pickup Dee Ford. It's possible the team could use its current control of the No. 2 overall pick in this week's draft to bring in another blue-chip talent on the defensive line like Nick Bosa or Quinnen Williams.