The Indianapolis Colts have a new head coach, are presumed to be breaking in a rookie quarterback after the draft and have let several veterans go this offseason, including trading corner Stephon Gilmore.
Most viewers see Indy as a rebuilding club, but don't tell that to the Colts' star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
"I hate that word," Buckner said, . "My rookie year in San Francisco, we went 2-14, the coach got fired, we brought in Kyle (Shanahan) and the majority of the roster was gone. Brought in new guys, and it took a couple of years. … We were building a team, a culture and all of that, but I was a young player, so I was able to grind through those tough years. … As you get older, rebuild's definitely not a word you want to hear."
Despite the prospect of grinding it out in Indy in 2023, Buckner said he doesn't want to be traded -- a move that is unlikely after the Colts restructured his contract this offseason.
"There were never any talks about me being traded, being released or any of that," Buckner said of a false rumor this offseason. "People like to make headlines, clickbait and all that kind of stuff. … I just thought it was funny."
The 29-year-old remains one of the best interior defenders in the NFL, capable of bewildering offense by barging into the backfield. If the Colts are to make a swift turnaround following their 4-12-1 season, the likes of Buckner will lead the way. If, however, Indy struggles, sides could look to part ways -- via trade or release -- in 2024. There is no guaranteed money left on Buckner's deal in 2024.
