The Indianapolis Colts keep building for the future.
In what has been an eventful offseason for Shane Steichen’s team, they continue to lock in their veterans for years to come.
According to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN, star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner just agreed to sign a two-year contract extension worth $46 million.
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
He’s now signed through the 2026 campaign.
This is the fifth-largest extension for a defensive tackle in NFL history, at least in terms of average annual value.
Buckner arrived in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers.
A 6-foot-7, 295-pound physical specimen, he’s been one of the most durable and consistent contributors to their defense for years now, logging 32.5 sacks in his four years in Indianapolis.
The 30-year-old joins the likes of WR Michael Pittman Jr., DL Grover Stewart, LB Zaire Franklin, and CB Kenny Moore II as Colts players who signed a contract extension in the offseason.
He’s only missed two of a possible 135 games — including playoffs — in his first eight seasons in the league, and he’s coming off posting career bests in tackles (81), and passes defended (7), all while recording eight sacks, a fumble recovery touchdown, and 21 QB hits.
He’s also one of just three players with at least seven sacks in each of the past six seasons.
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