:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66509959/1204566227.jpg.0.jpg)
Adam Schefter of ESPN has reported that former Ducks defensive lineman DeForest Buckner has been traded to the Colts
Trade AND deal: Colts trade first-round pick (13th overall) to 49ers for All-Pro DT DeForest Buckner, who already has agreed to a massive contract that pays him $21 million a year and makes him the second-highest paid DT in NFL history behind only Aaron Donald, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
This move was kind of inevitable due to the recent big money deal given to Arik Armstead. Its just not smart business to allocate so many resources to one position on the team.
The former first round selection was traded to a team that's on the rise and has a ton of cap space to pay him.
The price of a first round pick in return may have been a tad heavy considering the Colts need a quarterback. However, they are considered to be heavy favorites to land Philip Rivers in free agency, reducing the need to draft one early.
For Buckner's career, he has started all 63 games of his career. In 2019, he posted a stat line of 62 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 14 quarterback hits.
He reportedly signed a five year deal worth $105 million, earning $21 million per year. He would be second in terms of highest paid defensive tackles behind perennial All-Pro Aaron Donald.
Buckner was scheduled to make over $12 million for this coming season due to his fifth year option.
Congrats Defo!