The Indianapolis Colts continue to show faith in their incumbent players after renewing DeForest Buckner's contract.
The 30-year-old defensive tackle will remain a Colt until 2026 after signing a two-year deal worth $46 million.
He came to Indianapolis in 2020 after the San Francisco 49ers traded him for a first-round 2020 draft pick.
He was instantly signed to a 4-year, $84M extension and made the First Team All-Pro in the same year.
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"DeForest has been the epitome of what it means to be a Colt the last four years," general manager Chris Ballard said about the signing.
"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."
It is no secret that the Colts are planning to bring back a lot of players as they try to do better than their finishes in the past seasons.
Buckner joins the growing list of players who have been handed huge contracts this offseason to support that plan.
So far, the team has already committed $190 million to returning players.
Other Colts who were given new multi-year contracts this offseason:
1. Michael Pittman Jr. ($70 million, 3 years)
Michael Pittman Jr. became the eighth highest-paid receiver in the league in terms of annual value after signing a $70 million contract extension with $46 million guaranteed.
He was drafted 20th overall by the team in 2020.
"I think that's every player's dream, is to stay with the same team their whole time playing. I still have a long time left in my head. Hopefully I can do it again in three years," he said about the contract extension.
2. Kenny Moore II ($30 million, 3 years)
Pro Bowl 2021 member Kenny Moore II will be with the Colts for the long haul after signing a $30 million extension.
He continues to be the highest-paid nickel corner in NFL history, just like what happened to him when he signed a four-year $33 million deal in 2019.
3. Grover Stewart ($39 million, 3 years)
General manager Ballard had nothing but good words for Stewart before the extension. He was one of the shoo-ins to get a new contract when their season ended.
"In my first year here, he was one of our first draft picks. He's done nothing but be a great Colt, a great teammate, everything you want. Yeah, Grover is a guy we'd like to have back," he said.
Stewart was indeed rewarded. His veteran smarts will be crucial, especially now that their 2023 draft pick, Anthony Richardson, is back.
4. Zaire Franklin ($31 million, 3 years)
Franklin has just reached his prime, and the Colts want all of it as they decided to keep him until 2026.
He is a picture of leadership and endurance, having played all of the Colts' games since arriving in the league in 2018.
Last season, he was second in the league in tackles with 179(a career-high). He also recorded 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and six passes defended.
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