Colts’ DeForest Buckner offers a hilarious take following Derrick Brown’s massive extension

Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner weighed in after learning about Derrick Brown’s huge payday.

Derrick Brown, a defensive tackle with the Carolina Panthers, signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension Friday. This massive contract has sent shockwaves across the football world, even catching the attention of a certain Indianapolis Colts All-Pro.

That player was DeForest Buckner, another top performer at the position who should be getting paid shortly. The 30-year-old took to Twitter following Brown’s extension.

Stating “DT market is wild. You’d better start teaching your youngsters to get their hands dirty.

Will defensive tackles continue to receive elite deals? Will Buckner be the next to cash in?

Colts may want to pay DeForest Buckner sooner rather than later

Buckner is allegedly searching for a new contract following a breakout year in 2023, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The three-time Pro Bowler has one year remaining on his current contract before entering free agency.

Buckner has the right to request a raise because he had the same number of sacks last year as Brown (eight). While Brown had more tackles and a higher Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade last year, Buckner was no slouch. Brown placed fourth with a 90.1 grade, while Buckner finished 14th with an 81.8. Both players were also good against the run, putting up exceptional numbers in that category.

“Brown’s reputation as a run stuffer continues to grow, as he finished 2023 as one of just two interior defenders to earn a 90.0 run-defense grade,” according to Pro Football Focus. “He had a position-leading 427 run-defense snaps and an amazing 31.4% positive graded play rate. The Panthers interior defender had 110 total tackles and 50 run stops, which led the position.”

Brown’s style is more geared on run stopping than pass rushing, which makes sense given his position as an interior lineman. Pass rush specialists typically line up on the outside, with generational players like Aaron Donald being the exception. Buckner, on the other hand, appears to be more effective at disrupting both pass and run games.

“Buckner managed to bat down the most passes (7) by any player at the position,” according to the PFF. “However, his presence in the run game undoubtedly posed a threat, as he tied the most run-defense snaps against a double-team (88) over the year.”

Buckner’s game appears to be slightly more well-rounded when his sacks, batted passes, and run-stopping ability are combined. The only reason he might not command as much money on the open market is his age. Brown is five years his junior and is just beginning his prime.

Regardless, Buckner remains in terrific shape and performs at a high level. The veteran is expected to receive $22.75 million in 2024, but expect him to earn considerably more in the near future. The only question is whether it will benefit the Colts or someone else with a larger pot of gold.