Since arriving in Indianapolis, Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has established himself as one of the AFC’s premier players at his position. Pro Football Focus recently ranked their top interior defenders for the upcoming 2024 season, placing Buckner sixth overall, just behind the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Cameron Heyward.
Indianapolis recognized Buckner’s impact by awarding the two-time Pro Bowl selection with a two-year, $46 million contract extension in April. Acquired in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers before the 2020 season, Buckner has been a stalwart on the Colts’ defensive line.
Over the past three seasons, Buckner has appeared in all 17 games each year, tallying eight sacks in two of the last three campaigns. He has recorded a combined 155 tackles, 22 tackles-for-loss, and 43 quarterback hits during this period.
The 30-year-old defensive tackle has shown no signs of slowing down, amassing 32.5 sacks in his four seasons with the Colts. According to Pro Football Focus, Buckner has registered more than 50 pressures in each of the last two seasons and has made 90 defensive stops during this time, underscoring his consistent high-level play.
Indianapolis set a franchise record with 51 total sacks in the 2023 season, with Buckner playing a key role in their dominant defensive line performance. Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Colts and Buckner aim to build on this success, potentially positioning themselves once again among the NFL’s top pass-rushing units.
