DeForest Buckner offers social media response to trade block speculation

It’s not the first time Buckner’s name has arisen in trade rumors. The Athletic’s Zack Jackson mentioned Buckner at the beginning of March as a possible trade target of the Cleveland Browns.

“Buckner, who soon turns 29, is a force in the middle,” Jackson wrote at the time. “He’s under contract for two more years at cap numbers of around $20 million in each season. If the Colts are willing to listen and are looking to clear cap space for the future, the Browns need to keep calling. “

Traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Colts in 2020 in exchange for the 13th overall pick, Buckner has posted 50 or more tackles and seven or more sacks in each of his three seasons in Indianapolis. The former Oregon standout lead the Colts in sacks during both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

He was named a First Team All-Pro during his first year in Indianapolis and additionally made the Pro Bowl his second year.

This past season Buckner led the Colts in multiple categories, including pressures (56), QB hurries (34), QB hits (13) and batted passes (three). He ranked second on the team in sacks (eight) in 2022-23. Buckner has registered 50 or more pressures, 30 or more QB hurries and 10 or more QB hits each of his three seasons with the Colts.

Indianapolis could recoup $18.75 million of the 6-foot-7 defensive tackle's 2023 cap hit -- they would have to eat just $1 million in dead money -- if they release him at any point. Should Indianapolis trade Buckner, there will be no dead money penalty.