During the 2020 offseason, there were several trades made throughout the league. The Indianapolis Colts were a part of a big deal that saw them acquire defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
While trading isn’t done all that often in the NFL, this offseason featured a number of stars change teams. NFL.com’s Gil Brandt went through and ranked the top-10 players who were dealt this offseason.
Buckner came in at No. 3 behind wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Acquired from: the 49ers, in exchange for a 2020 first-round pick.
It seems like the Colts haven’t fielded a dominant interior force on defense since the late Artie Donovan’s 1950s heyday. Buckner should change that in 2020. The massive lineman (6-foot-7, 295 pounds) clogs passing lanes and can put real pressure on the quarterback — over the past two seasons, he racked up nearly as many sacks by himself (19.5) as the Colts’ trio of Denico Autry, Grover Stewart and Margus Hunt (now in New Orleans) managed in that span combined (20.5). Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who is on track to become a head coach in this league, told the team site that Buckner is an “impact player” — and he’s not lying.
The addition of Buckner has been covered greatly this offseason. His impact will go beyond simply the production he brings each week. Whether it’s holding blockers on a double team or applying pressure himself, Buckner’s presence will be felt all over the defense.
The Colts pass rush hasn’t been all that consistent even in the explosive weeks they’ve shown over the last two seasons. Buckner’s arrival, though, brings a new force from the interior—one the Colts haven’t seen in a long time.
Buckner will be one of the more exciting players to watch if and when the Colts finally get on the field in 2020, and he could be a big reason they compete for a playoff spot down the stretch.