Report: Colts, DT DeForest Buckner agree to two-year, $46 million contract extension

Indianapolis extends another one of its own in star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.

The Indianapolis Colts and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner have agreed to a two-year, $46 million extension, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Buckner was entering the final year of a four-year, $84 million extension, and as Schefter notes, his new contract extension will keep the Pro Bowl defensive tackle in Indianapolis through the 2026 season.

Buckner, who was a Pro Bowl selection following the 2023 season and is a three-time Pro Bowl selection overall, set career-highs with 81 combined tackles and seven passes defensed while also recording 11 tackles-for-loss, 21 quarterback hits and eight sacks for the Colts last season.

The 30-year-old defensive tackle has been one of Indianapolis’ best defensive players since arriving prior to the 2020 season in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. In four seasons with the Colts, Buckner has recorded 32.5 sacks while being named a two-time Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro selection. Buckner has been as durable as they come at his position, too, as he’s missed just one game during his time in Indianapolis.

Buckner becomes the latest member of the Colts’ defense to receive a multi-year extension this offseason, joining cornerback Kenny Moore II, linebacker Zaire Franklin, defensive end Tyquan Lewis and fellow defensive tackle Grover Stewart.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard released a statement on Buckner’s extension:

“DeForest has been the epitome of what it means to be a Colt the last four years. As one of the premier defensive tackles in the league, he is a destructive force on our defensive line. DeForest is one of the pillars of our locker room,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said following Buckner’s extension.” “His hard work, consistency and approach to the game are vital to the success of our team. We are fortunate to have DeForest and the caliber of man he is representing our organization. I’m excited for him and his family on this much deserved contract extension.”