DeForest Buckner, the veteran defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts, has been named among the top 30 NFL players over the age of 30 by Pro Football Focus (PFF), securing the 23rd spot on the list. Despite facing injuries and advancing age, Buckner continues to exhibit a high level of play on the field as he enters his 31-year-old season, emphasizing his status as a key figure in the Colts defense.
Buckner’s Consistent Performance Through Injuries
Throughout the 2024 NFL season, Buckner maintained his role as a pillar in the Colts’ interior defense. Although he missed five games due to a significant ankle sprain, he managed to earn an impressive 81.9 PFF grade, the second highest grading of his career. This marks the third consecutive year he has recorded a grade above 81.8, demonstrating minimal sign of decline despite the physical demands and setbacks of the sport.
During his 12 games played in the 2024 campaign, Buckner started 11 times and contributed 61 tackles, including 24 solo stops, along with eight tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. His ability to pressure quarterbacks was also notable, with 35 QB pressures and a pass defensed highlighting his impactful play on the defensive line. According to PFF, this consistency placed him as the seventh-best interior defender in the league for the season.
Long-Term Commitment Reflects Buckner’s Value to Colts
Recognizing his continued high performance and leadership, the Indianapolis Colts secured Buckner with a two-year, $46 million contract extension signed in the spring of 2024. This deal ensures that Buckner will remain a crucial part of the team’s defensive front through the 2026 season, reinforcing the Colts’ confidence in his abilities and durability.
Buckner’s physical conditioning and steady output have allowed him to stay on the field and compete at a high level. Before the 2024 season’s injury setbacks, he had made 16 consecutive starts over three seasons, underscoring his reliability and value. Given these factors, Buckner is expected to remain a regular on PFF’s top player rankings for several more years, maintaining his reputation as one of the premier defensive tackles in the NFL.
“Buckner continued to anchor the Colts’ interior defense in 2024. Despite missing five games due to injury, he posted an 81.9 PFF grade, the second-highest of his career. It marked his third straight season with a grade above 81.8, showing little sign of decline heading into his age-31 campaign.” —PFF