DeForest Buckner: Contract, 49ers, Trade, PFF, Age and College

DeForest Buckner is one of the NFL’s prominent interior defensive linemen, known for his size, strength and ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. He began his professional career with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. His performances with both franchises have established him as an important presence on the defensive line.

Fans searching for DeForest Buckner’s contract, 49ers trade history, PFF grade, age and college career can find the key details below. As of October 2026, Buckner is listed on the Colts’ roster as defensive tackle No. 99.

DeForest Buckner Profile

These details are based on Buckner’s NFL and Indianapolis Colts player profiles.

DeForest Buckner Contract: How Much Does He Earn?

DeForest Buckner signed a two-year, $46 million contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts on April 15, 2024. The agreement covers the 2025 and 2026 seasons and carries an average annual value of $23 million. It followed his original four-year, $84 million extension signed in 2020.

His latest extension included $43.25 million in fully guaranteed money, according to Over The Cap. The contract also included additional guarantees and void years for salary-cap purposes.

For the 2026 season, Over The Cap lists a salary-cap charge of $26.6 million. This figure is different from his annual average salary because cap accounting includes prorated bonuses and other contract components.

Buckner’s contract reflects his value as an experienced defensive lineman who can contribute against both the run and the pass. His ability to generate pressure from the interior makes him an important part of Indianapolis’ defensive plans.

Why Did the 49ers Trade DeForest Buckner?

The San Francisco 49ers traded Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts on March 18, 2020. In return, San Francisco received Indianapolis’ first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the 13th overall selection. The 49ers had originally drafted Buckner with the seventh overall pick in 2016.

The trade came after Buckner had established himself as a productive defensive tackle in San Francisco. During his four seasons with the 49ers, he recorded 28.5 sacks and appeared in 63 games, starting every game he played. He also helped the team reach Super Bowl LIV during the 2019 season.

The move allowed the 49ers to acquire a valuable first-round draft asset, while the Colts gained an established defensive player. Indianapolis subsequently signed Buckner to a four-year, $84 million extension in 2020.

Did DeForest Buckner Return to the 49ers?

As of October 2026, Buckner’s listed NFL team is still the Indianapolis Colts. His previous connection to San Francisco remains an important part of his career, but he has not returned to the 49ers as a player according to the current roster information.

DeForest Buckner PFF Grade and Performance

Pro Football Focus (PFF) evaluates NFL players using grades that assess their performances on individual plays. Buckner’s interior pass-rushing ability has been a key strength throughout his professional career.

According to PFF’s profile updated on October 7, 2026, Buckner recorded the following grades and production for the 2026 season:

PFF ranked Buckner 35th among 129 qualified interior defensive linemen in overall grade and 11th in pass-rush grade at that point in the season. These rankings and figures are a snapshot, not final season totals.

The numbers highlight a difference between his pass-rushing and run-defense evaluations. His pass-rush grade indicates that he remained capable of disrupting quarterbacks, while his run-defense grade showed more modest results under PFF’s grading system.

DeForest Buckner College Career

Buckner played college football for the University of Oregon from 2012 through 2015. He developed into one of the program’s leading defensive players and attracted considerable attention ahead of the NFL Draft.

During his college career, he appeared in 54 games and recorded:

• 232 total tackles

• 36 tackles for loss

• 18 sacks

• Nine passes defended

His strongest collegiate season came in 2015. Buckner registered 83 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year recognition and received the Morris Trophy, an award voted on by opposing conference offensive linemen.

Those accomplishments helped establish him as a highly regarded prospect. The 49ers selected him seventh overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, making him one of the first defensive players chosen that year.

DeForest Buckner NFL Stats and Career Achievements

Buckner’s career statistics demonstrate his consistent production as an interior defender. He recorded at least six sacks in each of his first nine NFL seasons, from 2016 through 2024, with eight sacks in both 2022 and 2023.

His major career highlights include:

• First-round selection: Drafted seventh overall by the 49ers in 2016.

• Rookie success: Recorded six sacks in his first NFL season and earned All-Rookie Team recognition.

• Pro Bowl honors: Earned multiple Pro Bowl selections during his career.

• Super Bowl appearance: Helped San Francisco reach Super Bowl LIV in the 2019 season.

• Colts impact: Continued to produce sacks and tackles after joining Indianapolis in 2020.

   

Buckner’s combination of size, strength and interior pass-rushing ability has made him valuable in defensive schemes that rely on pressure from the middle of the defensive line.

What Makes DeForest Buckner a Valuable Defensive Lineman?

Buckner’s 6-foot-7 frame gives him an imposing presence in the middle of the defensive line. However, his value extends beyond his physical measurements. He can push offensive linemen backward, disrupt running lanes and create pressure without requiring a blitz.

His experience with both the 49ers and Colts has also made him a veteran presence. For Indianapolis, his ability to challenge quarterbacks from the interior remains an important part of the defensive approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is DeForest Buckner?

DeForest Buckner is 32 years old. He was born on March 17, 1994.

What is DeForest Buckner’s current contract?

Buckner signed a two-year, $46 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts in April 2024, covering the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Why did the 49ers trade DeForest Buckner?

The 49ers traded Buckner to the Colts in March 2020 in exchange for Indianapolis’ first-round pick, the 13th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.

What college did DeForest Buckner attend?

Buckner attended the University of Oregon, where he played college football from 2012 to 2015.

What is DeForest Buckner’s PFF grade in 2026?

PFF listed Buckner with a 67.7 overall defensive grade and a 76.1 pass-rush grade as of October 7, 2026. These figures can change as the season progresses.

What number does DeForest Buckner wear?

Buckner wears jersey number 99 for the Indianapolis Colts.

Conclusion

DeForest Buckner has built an impressive NFL career since the San Francisco 49ers selected him seventh overall in 2016. His move to the Indianapolis Colts in 2020 brought a new chapter, followed by a two-year, $46 million extension in 2024. At 32, he remains an experienced defensive lineman whose pass-rushing ability, college achievements and career production continue to attract attention from NFL fans.