Oregon Football Makes History: NFL Combined Salaries

Breaking down the former Oregon Ducks Football athletes with the highest total value contracts in the NFL.

Ally Osborne | Jul 12, 2024

Dec 31, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) passes the ball while Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) defends in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. / Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY

3. DeForest Buckner, Defensive Lineman, Indianapolis Colts

One of Oregon’s two picks from the 2016 NFL Draft and eight year NFL veteran, defensive lineman DeForest Buckner’s contract has a total value of $46,000,000.

A beast in his position during his time with the Ducks, Buckner played for Oregon from 2012 to 2015. Buckner played in all available games during his tenure, recording 232 total tackles and 18 sacks for 124 yards. He was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, the second athlete to be named so from the Ducks since 1983 and won the Morris Trophy.

In his professional career so far, Buckner is dominant. He’s a three time Pro-Bowl selection, Second Team All Pro, and First Team All Pro. He played eight years with the 49ers before being traded to the Colts for a 2020 first round draft pick. He re-signed with the Colts this year.

In 2024, Buckner will make a guaranteed $2,250,000 with a $6,100,000 prorated signing bonus.

Published Jul 12, 2024

ALLY OSBORNE

A born and raised Oregonian, Ally was raised going up and down the steps of Autzen Stadium. Ally graduated from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communications in 2021. She currently works at KOIN 6 and Portland's CW in Portland, Oregon where she hosts the lifestyle program "Everyday Northwest" and reports for the KOIN Sports team. She's also a graphic designer in her free time, with several of her works created for Oregon athletes.