The Indianapolis Colts have locked in another key piece of their core, Stephen Holder of ESPN reports.

In a continuation of moves made this spring, the Colts signed star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to an extension Monday. Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that it's a two-year deal for $46 million and runs through the 2026 season.

The deal comes as the Colts report this week for voluntary offseason workouts and preempts what would have been a contract year for one of the team's captains and most productive players. He was entering the final year of a four-year, $84 million contract signed after joining the Colts in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, when he was a first-team All-Pro selection.

"DeForest has been the epitome of what it means to be a Colt the last four years," general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement. "As one of the premier defensive tackles in the league, he is a destructive force on our defensive line. DeForest is one of the pillars of our locker room. His hard work, consistency and approach to the game are vital to the success of our team."

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