DeForest Buckner and the Indianapolis Colts agree to 2-year massive extension.
According to Adam Schefter with ESPN, the Colts signed DeForest to a two-year extension worth $46 million. He’ll be with the team through the 2026 season.
More about the Colts and star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner agreeing Monday on a two-year, $46 million contract extension that ties him to Indianapolis through the 2026 season:https://t.co/ZcDADovW7a
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 15, 2024
Buckner even gave some foreshadowing before the big day.
It was a beautiful day in Indy, the sun was shining and the Pacers got the W. Who knows what tomorrow will bring!
— DeForest Buckner (@DeForestBuckner) April 14, 2024
Media Reactions to Indianapolis Colts Elite DT
Buckner now becomes the fifth highest paid interior defensive lineman in the NFL.
New DT contracts handed out this offseason:
🏈Chris Jones: $31.75M/year
🏈Christian Wilkins: $27.5M/year
🏈Justin Madubuike: $24.5M/year
🏈Derrick Brown: $24M/year
🏈DeForest Buckner: $23M/year
🏈Leonard Williams: $21.5M/year https://t.co/7s7aKYxnzQ— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 15, 2024
Buckner isn’t a common name, but is elite at his position. There was a while where he and Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones were the top two at their position.
A key stat on DeForest Buckner from ESPN Analytics:
His 65% double team rate since 2020 ranks 4th among defensive tackles behind Dexter Lawrence, Aaron Donald and Chris Jones.
Buckner still managed the 5th most pass rush wins among DTs during that span.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 15, 2024
Buckner has proved he is one of the best, regardless of how an offense tries to prevent him.
#Colts GM Chris Ballard’s statement on extending DT DeForest Buckner:
“DeForest has been the epitome of what it means to be a Colt the last four years. As one of the premier DTs in the league, he is a destructive force on our defensive line. …” —> https://t.co/tzxtsMW7ye pic.twitter.com/mpcesvFBZ0
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 15, 2024
#Colts DT DeForest Buckner during the 2023 season:
“I trust Chris (Ballard). He brought me here back in 2020 … He bet a first-round pick on me, and I appreciate (him for) believing in me and what I can bring to this team.
“I see what he’s building.” https://t.co/tzxtsMW7ye
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 15, 2024
Barstool’s Bussin’ with the Boys had some fun with Buckner’s extension as well. This is from his Beer Olympics championship the Boys hosted last summer.
Congrats to the boy @DeForestBuckner on signing a two-year, $46 million contract extension with the Colts. We are glad that’s over with so you can focus on the ultimate goal this offseason 👀 pic.twitter.com/feRL763Cp6
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) April 15, 2024
Fans React to Buckner
Even with Buckner climbing in age, the contract has been widely accepted across all avenues. Fans can rejoice knowing the center of the defense will be around for a few more years.
🏈 Great News…DeForest Buckner stays in Indy! The Colts & the 3x Pro Bowler have agreed on a 2-year, $46M contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2026 season. #ColtsNation #NFL 🎉
— Ryan Hagan (@ryanjhagan) April 15, 2024
HUGE win for Indy
Steal of a deal🔥
— Hail Mary Sports (@hailmarysportss) April 15, 2024
$46M contract extension is a good deal tbh
— Ankita (@AnkitaBnsl) April 15, 2024
Deforest Buckner is one of my all time favorite Colts. So happy he’s staying.
— Logan (@SconnieColt) April 15, 2024
Since joining the @Colts in 2020, DeForest Buckner ranks among NFL DTs:
-3rd in sacks (32.5)
-3rd in pressures (210)
-6th in PFF defense grade (89.7)
-6th in PFF pass rush grade (90.4)
-8th in pass rush win rate (14%)
-9th in TFL/no gain (35)https://t.co/jKQVqbPTGi— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) April 15, 2024
Yassssss @DeForestBuckner Well deserved 💙#ForTheShoe https://t.co/r3Bh6G4y8q pic.twitter.com/pAyNyd9WdK
— IndyGirl (@Colts_Chic) April 15, 2024
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