Colts DT DeForest Buckner Mulled Retirement In Offseason

Like several other high-profile Colts, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner missed a significant portion of the 2025 campaign. A severe neck injury shelved Buckner for seven games, ended his season in late December and required surgery. After going under the knife, the 32-year-old mulled retirement, Jonathan Boyd of The Athletic relays.

“I found myself having some deep dark thoughts about what I’m gonna do,” said Buckner, who Boyd notes struggled to pick up his young children early in the rehab process.

While Buckner was in rough shape in the immediate aftermath of surgery, his mindset changed as his condition improved, per Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star.

“Honestly, after going through all the rehab and everything, the way I was feeling,” he said. “I knew I’d be able to get back to my old self.”

Buckner made enough progress to receive full medical clearance for the start of training camp in late July. The three-time Pro Bowler has stayed healthy since then and continued to produce. While leading Colts defensive linemen in snap share (80.69%), Buckner has contributed 14 tackles (two TFL), four quarterback hits and three sacks. His sack total ranks eighth in the NFL and is just one fewer than he put up in 10 games last season.

Despite Buckner’s efforts, the Colts’ defense has underwhelmed during a 1-2 start. The unit ranks last in the NFL in total defense and 29th in scoring. However, in what may have been a season-saving win in Week 3, the Colts held the AFC South rival Texans to 17 points and a meager 223 total yards. Buckner stood out with seven tackles and 1.5 sacks. He and the Colts will have a chance to get to .500 when they take on the Commanders and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota on Sunday in London.

Just as Buckner’s future was up in the air last offseason, the same will be true in 2027. Currently in the last season of a two-year, $46MM contract, Buckner could either re-sign with the Colts, head elsewhere in free agency or hang up his cleats. The way Buckner’s playing, retirement might have to wait.