INDIANAPOLIS – On the subject, DeForest Buckner is challenging to move.
And he will not be likely any place for the Indianapolis Colts.
The staff awarded their defensive stalwart with a deal extension.
The 2-calendar year, $46 million extension will make him just one of the highest-paid out defensive linemen in the league, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. It operates via the 2026 period, in accordance to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
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The Colts verified the re-signing with a social media write-up that reported, “Extend Buck” adopted by a checkmark. General manager Chris Ballard issued a assertion emphasizing Buckner’s importance to the franchise.
“DeForest has been the epitome of what it indicates to be a Colt the last four yrs. As a single of the leading defensive tackles in the league, he is a harmful drive on our defensive line. DeForest is a person of the pillars of our locker space. His really hard function, consistency and strategy to the match are very important to the achievements of our staff. We are lucky to have DeForest and the caliber of person he is representing our business. I’m psyched for him and his household on this a great deal deserved deal extension.”
Colts GM Chris Ballard
Buckner was in the ultimate 12 months of the four-12 months deal he signed with the Colts immediately after getting acquired through trade from the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. Indy gave up the No. 13 total pick to get him.
A strong, disruptive defensive deal with, Buckner performed in 17 online games this earlier season, setting a job superior in tackles with 81. He completed with 8 sacks, tying him with Dayo Odeyingbo for third-most on the crew.
Buckner, 30, persistently attracts double groups, freeing up other defenders to make performs. Even then, he remains a drive in the middle, regularly clogging working lanes and furnishing inside pressure. In four seasons with the Colts, he’s averaged extra than 8 sacks per yr.
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A three-time Pro Bowl choice (2018, 2021, 2023) who has acquired AP 1st Workforce All-Professional (2020) and Second Crew All-Professional (2019) honors, he is yet again anticipated to engage in a essential part for the Colts’ protection, providing experience, leadership and accountability as a team captain.
For the Colts, the extension follows the team’s recent tactic of retaining crucial players. Grover Stewart, Kenny Moore II, Michael Pittman Jr. and Zaire Franklin were among the the players who re-signed in no cost company or were offered extensions this offseason.