SANTA CLARA — DeForest Buckner can now add “Pro Bowler” to his credentials when it comes to this offseason’s contract talks with the 49ers on a lucrative extension.
Buckner was named Tuesday to his first Pro Bowl as he will replace Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who sustained a foot injury in Sunday’s playoff loss at New Orleans.
Buckner joins 49ers tight end George Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk at the annual all-star showcase, held Jan. 27 in Orlando, Fla.
After completing his third season and doing so with a career-high 12 sacks, Buckner is eligible for a contract extension, otherwise the 49ers need to declare in the coming months that they’re picking up his fifth-year option for 2020.
Last month, Buckner was named first-team alternate for the Pro Bowl behind Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams), Akiem Hicks (Chicago Bears) and Cox.
“The organization, coaches and everybody knows my ability. The recognition would be cool but it’s out of my hands,” Buckner said last month of his Pro Bowl snub. “They’ve got me as an alternate so at least they know my name. Now I’ve got to get them to remember it.”
Buckner’s addition gives the 49ers their most Pro Bowlers in a season since 2014, when Joe Staley, Mike Iupati and Antoine Bethea were honored. He is the first 49ers defensive lineman to make the Pro Bowl since Justin Smith (2009-13).
This is the fourth straight year the Pro Bowl will be held at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, after hosting it in Buckner’s native Hawaii all but two years since 1979.
