The Indianapolis Colts added cap space for this season through DeForest Buckner's new contract extension

The Indianapolis Colts used star DT DeForest Buckner's contract extension to do something they typically shy away from doing. Which was to add two void years to lower his 2024 cap hit from $22.75 million to $8.35 million.  This move opened up nearly $13 million in current cap space, and according to Joel Erickson of the […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Oct 15, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.
Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts used star DT DeForest Buckner's contract extension to do something they typically shy away from doing. 

Which was to add two void years to lower his 2024 cap hit from $22.75 million to $8.35 million. 

This move opened up nearly $13 million in current cap space, and according to Joel Erickson of the Indy Star, the Colts now have $29,051,331 available in cap space. 

I think It's important to note that this is not a process the Colts have been willing to do in recent years. Using void years in contracts to open up more cap space for teams to utilize isn't new. Teams across the NFL have been using it strategically for years, but I honestly can't think of a time that the Colts have ever utilized void years, which has me thinking this could help the Colts make an additional move. 

With the 2024 NFL Draft just eight days away, it's hard to see the Colts or any free agent looking to sign a contract until that concludes. But the Colts have a few needs that, if they can't land a potential starter in the draft, I think the free agency market could make a lot of sense for them to utilize. We will have to wait and see if the Colts choose to utilize their newfound cap space to improve their roster or if they will roll the funds over to 2025. 

Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard speaks at a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center.

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