The Indianapolis Colts have secured their defensive anchor, DeForest Buckner, with a significant two-year contract extension. This extension comes at a crucial time as the team prepares for voluntary offseason workouts.
Buckner had been extremely prolific on the Colts’ defense and would have entered a contract year after the upcoming season. However, the Colts have solidified their commitment to him with this extension, ensuring his presence through the 2026 season.
The terms of the extension entail a total payout of $46 million for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. It has an average annual value of $23 million, placing him among the top defensive tackles in the league. His $23 million AAV (average annual value) ranks fifth among defensive tackles, behind Chris Jones ($31.75 million), Christian Wilkins ($27.5 million), Justin Madubuike ($24.5 million) and Derrick Brown ($24 million), according to ESPN.
This extension signifies stability within the Colts organization. Alongside Buckner, several other key players have recently inked significant contract extensions. Cornerback Kenny Moore II, defensive end Tyquan Lewis, linebacker Zaire Franklin, and fellow defensive tackle Grover Stewart are all locked for the upcoming season.
How has been DeForest Buckner’s journey with the Colts?
Since his arrival in 2020, DeForest Buckner has been a defensive force by consistently delivering standout performances. He recorded a minimum of seven sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, and 18 quarterback hits each of his four seasons with the team. The football prodigy earned accolades such as a first-team AP All-Pro in 2020 while securing places in the 2022 and 2024 Pro Bowl. He was also voted team captain in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
The defensive tackle’s 32 1/2 sacks with the Colts rank third among the players in this spot. He also ranks sixth among DTs in Pro Football Focus overall defense grade (89.7) while being sixth in pass rush grade (90.4), third in total pressures (210) as well as eighth in pass rush win rate (14 percent) and ninth in tackles for a loss/no gain (35).
The veteran appeared in all 17 games in the 2023 season. It has been his third straight year without missing a game. The Colts star recorded eight sacks with a career-high 81 tackles this past season.
