The Indianapolis Colts have made a significant move by extending the contract of defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Colts and Buckner agreed to a two-year extension worth $46 million. This news was later confirmed by the team.
Buckner, who was originally signed to a four-year, $84 million contract after being traded from the San Francisco 49ers, was set to enter the final year of his deal. Known for his dominance as an interior defender, the 30-year-old has been a key player in Gus Bradley’s defense. With the ability to draw double teams, penetrate the offensive line, and disrupt the run game, Buckner has established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Having earned two Pro Bowl nods and a first-team All-Pro selection in 2020 during his four seasons with the Colts, Buckner has proven to be a durable and versatile player who can perform on all three downs. His new average salary of $23 million per year now places him as the seventh-highest-paid interior defender in the league, according to Over The Cap.
With an impressive career stat line that includes 61 sacks, 544 tackles, 80 tackles for loss, and 161 quarterback hits over eight seasons, Buckner’s extension reflects the Colts’ commitment to securing key players for the future.
This move is part of a larger trend in Indianapolis, as the team has already re-signed or extended 10 of their own players this offseason. The Colts are banking on Buckner’s talent, health, and productivity to continue into his 30s, making this extension a strategic move for the team’s defense.
