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Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner signed a two-year extension through 2026.

“DeForest has been the epitome of what it means to be a Colt the last four years,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement Monday. “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. 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.”

Under terms of the new deal, Indianapolis will pay Buckner a total of $46 million for the 2025 and 2026 seasons after the final year of his four-year, $84 million deal expires at the end of the upcoming season, according to ESPN and NFL Network.

The 30-year-old Buckner joins the top five at his position in terms of annual average salary.

The Colts acquired Buckner prior to the 2020 season from the San Francisco 49ers, and he’s paid them back handsomely with 32.5 sacks in four seasons in Indianapolis, missing only one game.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Buckner has 61 career sacks, 544 tackles, nine forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries in 129 games with the 49ers and Colts.

–Field Level Media