With the 2024 NFL Draft now a week and a half away, most teams have turned their attention to the new talent looking to enter the league. However, the Indianapolis Colts made sure to take care of one of their own before completely turning the page by locking up DeForest Buckner on a two-year deal that puts him in the top five paid at his position.
What Does Indianapolis Colts DT DeForest Buckner’s Extension Look Like?
At the veteran age of 30 years old, Buckner has secured his future in Indianapolis further with a two-year, $46 million contract extension that keeps the powerful defensive lineman in Indy through 2026, per multiple sources.
Here’s a look at the specifics of the deal, according to Spotrac:
- Two years, $46 million extension
- $23 million in annual average salary
- $20 million base salary in 2024
- $22.75 million cap hit
The new extension puts Buckner fifth as far as per-year money goes at the DT position, behind only Chris Jones ($31.75M), Christian Wilkins ($27.5M), Justin Madubuike ($24.5M), and Derrick Brown ($24M).
A Good Move for Buckner and the Colts
It’s a big move for both Buckner and the team, as the Colts recognize the impact he has made since joining them via trade in 2020. Indianapolis acquired Buckner from the San Francisco 49ers by trading them the No. 13 overall pick that year, then promptly signing the star DT to a four-year, $84 million extension.
Since joining the Colts, Buckner has been everything they had hoped he would be. In his four seasons with Indy, he’s been named a first-team All-Pro once and selected to two Pro Bowls.
Statistically, Buckner’s been as dominant as any DT in the NFL. He’s tallied 26 sacks, 281 tackles, 42 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles in 66 games throughout his four seasons with the Colts.
Quality defensive line play is hard to come by, and at a premium position group, it often takes a lot to secure those types of players.
The Colts took a chance in trading a first-round selection to get Buckner, but with multiple Pro Bowl seasons, an All-Pro under his belt, and now a second contract to keep him for the foreseeable future, it’s clear that Indianapolis made the right decision.
KEEP READING: NFL DT Rankings 2024
With an important part of their future secured, the Colts can now turn their attention back to the future, knowing that the interior of their defensive line is in good hands.
