The Indianapolis Colts have spent the offseason re-signing players for the 2023 team, and now it's DeForest Buckner's turn. The Colts announced Monday morning that they have extended the highly productive defensive tackle.
The Colts have not released details regarding the contract extension. According to multiple reports, Buckner will be paid $46 million to remain in Indy for two more years. His current contract ends after the 2024 season, leaving him with the Colts through 2026.
Buckner, 30, is entering his ninth season in the NFL and fifth in Indianapolis. He was drafted seventh overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 and more than lived up to the expectations of that top pick. During his career, he recorded 166 solo tackles, 32.5 sacks, 42 tackles for loss, 87 QB hits, six forced fumbles, and was named to the Pro Bowl three times. The Colts acquired Buckner in a trade in March 2020, sending a first-round draft pick to the Niners as compensation.
The Colts, who brought back 10 players from the 2023 team, finished 9-8 in 2023, which is not a record most teams would be willing to repeat. But head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard have good reason to want to try again in 2024 with the same group of players, Anthony Richardson. The Colts took quarterback Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft. Although he had a bit of a rocky start, they believed in Richardson's ability to grow into the role.
Unfortunately, Richardson injured his shoulder in Week 5 and ended up having surgery and missing the rest of the season, so blame the Colts for wanting a do-over in 2023. difficult. And with the reinstatement of wide receiver Buckner, Michael Pittman Jr., cornerback Kenny Moore and other players are on track to prepare, even if Richardson struggles a bit in his return. There is.
