Colts, DeForest Buckner Agree To Two-Year Extension
The Indianapolis Colts and three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner agreed to a two-year, $46 million contract extension on Monday that ties him to the Colts through the 2026 season, according to sources. The Colts traded the No. 13 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in 2020 for Buckner and quickly signed him to a four-year, $84 million extension. The 30-year-old pass-rusher will stick around in Indianapolis for two more years after recording 166 solo tackles, 32.5 sacks, 42 tackles for loss, 87 QB hits, 16 passes defended, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown) in 66 regular-season games (62 starts) since the Colts acquired him from San Fran in 2020. He'll remain relevant in IDP fantasy leagues in 2024 despite being an interior defensive lineman.
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. Strong safety Khari Willis (concussion) was also practicing without a non-contact jersey, which likely indicates that he's cleared the concussion protocol and should be good to play in the wild-card game against the Bills on Saturday. Buckner, who ranked fourth in overall fantasy points among defensive linemen in the regular season, is a crucial player for the defensive line. They'll need him if they hope to slow down a high-scoring Bills offense led by quarterback Josh Allen. The Colts Defense has had their ups and downs in 2020, but for the most part they were one of the better defenses in the league. However, against this strong Buffalo offense, most fantasy managers will be looking for better plays during wild-card weekend.
Colts Activate DeForest Buckner From COVID-19 List
The Indianapolis Colts activated defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Friday, and he's eligible to play in Week 13 against the Texans. Without Buckner and sack leader Denico Autry on the defensive line last week, Derrick Henry and the Titans ran all over the Colts Defense and imposed their will. Both Buckner and Autry have been taken off the COVID-19 list and will play on Sunday, so Indianapolis' defense will be much more attractive as a fringe fantasy unit in 12- and 14-team leagues this weekend. Buckner has recorded 40 tackles (23 solo), 16 QB hits, one fumble recovery and 2.5 sacks in his first 10 games for the Colts this year after being a Pro Bowler with the 49ers in 2018. You can insert him back into starting lineups in IDP leagues.
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is on the Reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive for the virus, not as a high-risk close contact. Buckner is officially out for Week 12 against the division-rival Titans. It's a big loss for the strong Colts Defense, as the former 49ers pass-rush and 2019 second-team All-Pro has 2.5 sacks and four tackles for loss in his first year with the Colts. Buckner also has 40 tackles (23 solo), 16 QB hits and one fumble recovery as a constant backfield disruptor, so the rest of Indy's defense must step up to help stop Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry on Sunday. The 26-year-old ranks 18th among all defensive lineman in fantasy points for those in IDP leagues this year, so you'll need to look in another direction this week if you had been starting him on a weekly basis.
The Indianapolis Colts placed standout defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday. It's unclear if Buckner tested positive for the virus himself or if he was deemed a high-risk close contact of someone else who tested positive. Either way, his status is in question for Week 12 against the division-rival Titans. If you've been using Buckner as your defensive lineman in IDP leagues, you need to have a backup plan ready to go. The 26-year-old ranks as the No. 16 defensive lineman in terms of IDP points so far in 2020. Losing him this weekend would be a huge blow to Indy's defensive line while they hope to slow down Titans running back Derrick Henry. Buckner, a 2019 second-team All-Pro with the 49ers, has 2.5 sacks and four tackles for loss this season.
The Indianapolis Colts acquired All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the San Francisco 49ers on Monday in exchange for a first-round pick (13th overall) on Monday, according to sources. Buckner has already agreed to a big contract with the Colts that will pay him $21 million a season, which makes him the second highest paid defensive tackle in NFL history behind the Rams' Aaron Donald. San Fran's defense is already pretty strong, but losing Buckner is a notable loss. Turning 26 on Tuesday, Buckner had 7.5 sacks, 62 tackles (34 solo), two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and a touchdown in 2019. He'll help to drastically improve Indy's mediocre all-around defense in 2020 and beyond.
San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (toe) returned to practice Sunday after missing two days. Buckner, a fourth-year player, led the team with 12 sacks last year and recorded 17 tackles for loss. With his toe issue a thing of the past, Buckner is safe to deploy as an IDP who should be a menace in opposing backfields.
49ers, DeForest Buckner Far Apart In Contract Talks
The San Francisco 49ers and defensive end DeForest Buckner are far apart in long-term contract extension talks, according to a source. There is no deal in sight after Buckner's agent, Chafie Fields, talked with the team's brass in the last few days. The Niners picked up Buckner's fifth-year rookie option, and an extension is a priority for the team. The 25-year-old will be a big part of the team's improved pass rush in 2019 with additions around him. He had a career-high 12 sacks in 2018 and has 21 quarterback takedowns in his three seasons. He will surely be on the IDP map this year if he picks up where he left off in 2018.
