The Indianapolis Colts signed Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner to a two-year contract extension worth $46 million on Monday. Buckner had a career-high 81 total tackles and eight sacks last season for the Indianapolis Colts. Today’s contract extension will keep Buckner tied to the team until 2026.
With Buckner in the fold for years to come in Indianapolis, how will the defense fare in 2024?
DeForest Buckner Career Summary
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
Buckner was drafted seventh overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He was traded to the Colts during the 2020 NFL Offseason for a first-round pick. He is a three-time Pro Bowler (2018, 2021, 2023). Buckner was also named Second Team All Pro in 2019 and First Team All-Pro in 2020.
Buckner has 544 career tackles, 61 sacks, and nine forced fumbles.
What Will DeForest Buckner Bring To The Indianapolis Colts In 2024
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The Indianapolis defense did not have a good 2023 season. They were 24th in total yards surrendered per game (349.8) and surrendered just under 124 yards per game on the ground. They also surrendered the fifth-most points per game last season at 24.4.
Buckner joins an Indianapolis Colts defense that has been overhauled massively this NFL offseason, with the NFL Draft still to come. They signed Defensive Tackles Raekwon Davis and extended Cornerback Kenny Moore II and Linebacker Zaire Franklin.
The team hopes these moves will help solidify a unit that was a clear weakness last season.
Indianapolis Colts Enter 2024 With Lofty Expectations
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Indianapolis went 9-8 last season, narrowly missing the NFL Playoffs following rookie Quarterback Anthony Richardson being limited to only four games. A healthy Richardson paired with star Wide Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will put the team in a prime position to compete in an AFC that is as strong as ever.
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