Stampede Blue
The Colts traded for All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner nearly five years ago, and it’s clearly paid off.
During March of 2020, the Indianapolis Colts traded their upcoming first round pick for former San Francisco 49ers NFL All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
It wasn’t necessarily by personal choice, as the 49ers were facing salary cap constraints and were only able to re-sign one of Buckner or defensive end Arik Armstread to a lucrative multi-year deal—ultimately choosing to lock up the latter long-term at the other’s expense.
Buckner was then traded to the Colts that spring for their 2020 first round pick, who immediately re-signed him to a 4-year, $84 million contract extension.
As consistently the team’s most valuable defensive player since his anticipated arrival, Buckner has become a First-Team NFL All-Pro and 2x NFL Pro Bowler with Indianapolis.
During his first five years with the Colts, Buckner has recorded 39.0 total sacks. That ranks 3rd among all defensive tackles during that same span, trailing only the Kansas City Chiefs Chris Jones (47.5) and the retired Los Angeles Aaron Donald (39.0), who I’m giving the tie breaker here to after being out of football the past season.
Buckner’s been a consummate pro and defensive team captain for the Colts.
Sure, there was a future Hall of Famer, Justin Jefferson (#22), selected after the Colts traded the 14th overall pick that year, as well as a potential franchise quarterback as it relates to Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (#26). Not to mention, CeeDee Lamb at #17.
That being said, considering the 49ers selected South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw with the Colts’ original pick to replace Buckner, and he’s now on his 3rd NFL team with just 9.5 total sacks in 5 seasons—and Indianapolis still did very well for itself.
Honestly, trading for Buckner was one of the best moves of longtime general manager Chris Ballard’s tenure as the engine that has consistently driven their defense at the 3T position.
Featuring freakishly long arms, athleticism, and surprising quickness, Buckner has been a yearly interior pass rushing force for the Colts, consistently commanding double teams, and one of the legitimate stars on that side of the ball, especially after All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard’s eventual career-ending back injury a few years ago.
When also factoring in his leadership, durability, and work ethic, he’s been as good as advertised, if not better—and well worth trading for on the Colts’ end. Way to go, D-Fo!
