Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner remains in Indianapolis. The three-time Pro Bowler and the Colts have agreed to a contract extension, the team announced Monday. The deal is worth $46 million over the next two years, according to ESPNkeeping him with the team until 2026.
“DeForest has been the epitome of what it means to be a Colt over the past four years,” said Colts general manager Chris Ballard. “As one of the best 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 essential to the success of our team.
In 2020, the Colts traded the No. 13 pick to the San Francisco 49ers in order to obtain Buckner and have since left their mark on Indy’s defense. With the Colts, he had 166 solo tackles, 32.5 sacks, 42 tackles for loss, 87 quarterback hits and six forced fumbles.
He was named All-Pro in his first season with the Colts, his first such honor. He reached two Pro Bowls with the team, in 2021 and 2023. Buckner was also named a Pro Bowler in 2019 while with the Niners.
Shortly after joining the Colts, he signed a four-year contract extension worth $84 million, which made him the second highest-paid defensive tackle at the time and this new contract once again making him one of the highest paid in this position.
This offseason, defensive tackles are paying off. Contracts at the position so far include Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs at $31.75 million per year, Christian Wilkins of the Las Vegas Raiders at $27.5 million per year, Justin Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens earning $24.5 million per year and Derrick Brown of the Carolina Panthers coming in at $27.5 million per year. $24 million per year. Buckner will make $23 million per year and Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks will make $21.5 million per year.
