The Colts have officially announced that they’ve extended the contract of defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on Monday morning. Buckner’s new deal reportedly spans two years, totaling $46 million, and runs through the 2026 season.
Acquired by Indianapolis in the 2020 offseason, Buckner has been a steady presence, appearing in all 66 games over the past four seasons, including every game for the past three years.
“DeForest has truly embodied what it means to be a Colt over the past four years,” remarked general manager Chris Ballard in a team statement.
“As one of the league’s top defensive tackles, he brings immense impact to our defensive line. DeForest is a cornerstone of our locker room, contributing with his hard work, consistency, and attitude toward the game, all crucial to our team’s success.
“We consider ourselves fortunate to have DeForest, not only for his on-field talent but also for the quality of person he is in representing our organization. I’m thrilled for him and his family as they receive this well-deserved contract extension.”
At 30 years old, Buckner boasts an impressive resume with the Colts, amassing 32.5 sacks, 42 tackles for loss, and 87 quarterback hits. In the 2023 season alone, he racked up 8.0 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 21 quarterback hits, along with seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, earning his third Pro Bowl selection.
Originally drafted as the No. 7 pick in 2016 by the 49ers, Buckner spent his first four seasons with San Francisco, accumulating 61.0 sacks, 80 tackles for loss, and 161 quarterback hits over 129 career games.
