The Indianapolis Colts and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner have agreed to a two-year extension worth up to $46 million. This contract will keep him in Indianapolis until 2026 when he turns 32.
The Colts acquired Buckner from the San Francisco 49ers during the 2020 NFL offseason. In return, Indianapolis surrendered their first-round pick in the 2020 draft for him. Once the transaction became official, they signed him to a four-year, $84 million contract extension.
Colts and three-time Pro-Bowl DT DeForest Buckner reached agreement today on a two-year, $46 million contract extension that ties him to Indianapolis through the 2026 season, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 15, 2024
Colts traded the No. 13 overall pick to the 49ers in 2020 for Buckner, quickly signed him… pic.twitter.com/yHD6Y8SA6I
Buckner repaid the Colts' trust by earning a First Team All-Pro selection that season after tallying 58 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three pass deflections. He also earned two Pro Bowl selections while with Indianapolis, including the 2023 season, when he finished with 81 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown.
As of the 2023 season, Buckner has 558 tackles, 63.5 sacks, ten forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, 27 passes defended, and two touchdowns in 133 games (including playoffs).
More importantly, he has been a durable player, missing only two games in eight seasons. Buckner joins his fellow defensive tackles who earned massive contract extensions, including Chris Jones, Christian Wilkins, Justin Madubuike, Derrick Brown, and Leonard Williams.
DeForest Buckner will continue to anchor Indianapolis' defensive front with Raekwon Davis, Samson Ebukam, and Kwity Paye.
-Lance Fernandez