Colts Re-Sign DeForest Buckner to Big-Time Contract Extension

The Indianapolis Colts now have their best defender in DeForest Buckner under contract for the next three seasons.

Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99). / Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts are ensuring their best defensive player does not reach the free agent market after next season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Colts and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner have agreed to a two-year, $46 million extension. The deal keeps Buckner, who was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2024 season, with the Colts through the 2026 season.

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.

Colts traded the No. 13 overall pick to the 49ers in 2020 for Buckner, quickly signed him… pic.twitter.com/yHD6Y8SA6I

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 15, 2024

Schefter posted the following on X: "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.

"Colts traded the No. 13 overall pick to the 49ers in 2020 for Buckner, quickly signed him to a 4-year, $84M extension, and now, award him with another big deal."

Buckner's new deal slots him into the seventh-highest-paid defensive tackle in the league with an average annual value (AAV) of $23 million. The extension likely helps the Colts open up some cap space and is a slight raise for Buckner on his last contract. Buckner signed a four-year, $84 million extension with the Colts in 2020 ($21 million AAV).

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Since the Colts traded for Buckner in the spring of 2020, he has been a quintessential part of the team's success. In four years with the Colts, Buckner has racked up 281 tackles, 42 tackles for loss, 32.5 sacks, 87 QB hits, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 16 passes defended. Buckner also has two Pro Bowl appearances and a First-Team All-Pro nod since coming to Indy.

Buckner immediately became a leader on the field and in the locker room for the Colts. His stellar play has ascended him among the best defensive tackles in the NFL. In the locker room, he is one of the most respected Colts and a figure everyone in the organization looks up to.

“DeForest has been the epitome of what it means to be a Colt the last four years," general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement released by the team. "As one of the premier defensive tackles in the league, he is a destructive force on our defensive line. DeForest is one of the pillars of our locker room. His hard work, consistency and approach to the game are vital to the success of our team. We are fortunate to have DeForest and the caliber of man he is representing our organization. I’m excited for him and his family on this much deserved contract extension.”

The Colts also re-signed fellow defensive tackle Grover Stewart earlier this offseason to a three-year, $39 million deal. Now with Buckner re-signed, the Colts have their starting defensive tackle tandem locked in for at least the next three seasons. Buckner and Stewart have become one of the best defensive tackle duos in the NFL over the past few seasons and show no signs of slowing down.

The deal is a win for both sides. For Buckner, he receives a slight raise and more long-term security as he nears his 30th birthday. For the Colts, they get to keep their superstar defender for a modest price and retain a core piece of their team.

With the contract extension now done, Buckner and the Colts set their sights on accomplishing something else together: Winning a Super Bowl.

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