Indianapolis Colts DeForest Buckner Linked in 'Unlikely' Trade Proposal

With free agency and the NFL Draft looming, 'tis the season for rampant speculation. 

David Kenyon of Bleacher Report (B/R) created a series of five trades to build the next-great defense. He included Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in a deal to the Cincinnati Bengals for a just a second-round pick.

Since the Indianapolis Colts have plenty of cap space, they certainly don't need to trade DeForest Buckner. He's been a consistent top performer during his four seasons in Indy. 

Buckner is, however, entering the final year of his contract. 

If the Colts are leaning toward not extending the defensive tackle, they should entertain the idea of maximizing a return for him. Buckner would be worth at least a Day 2 selection in the 2024 NFL draft, and the Cincinnati Bengals—aggressive as it would be—can afford that. 

Now, to be clear, this is a highly unlikely trade. But it sure would be a massive, much-needed upgrade for Cincinnati. - David Kenyon on B/R

Ugh. Where to start?

The Colts and Bengals finished with identical 9-8 records last season. The Bengals lost Joe Burrow for virtually the entire seasons. He's a more proven commodity than Colts' quarterback Anthony Richardson who was also lost for virtually the entire season, but why would the Bengals be buyers and the Colts sellers heading into the season?

Sure Buckner has one year left on his deal, but unless he pushes for a move before the season, a Pro Bowl defensive tackle in his prime is worth more than a second-round pick in February... even with one year left on his contract.

This deal might make more sense on Halloween at the NFL Trade Deadline if the Colts are struggling. But the Colts desperately need Buckner to help bolster a defense that finished 28th in scoring last year.

Kenyon qualified his proposal that it's highly unlikely. Why wouldn't a Pro Bowl defensive tackle be a "massive, much-needed upgrade?" If he's shooting for the moon on defensive tackles that fit the bill, why not go with a tag and trade of Kansas City Chiefs free agent Chris Jones?

Or Aaron Donald?

The Bengals have about as much chance of acquiring those players as Buckner.

We bring this up because we see these discussions pop up in our live podcasts. "Hey, I heard rumors that the Colts are trading DeForest Buckner to the Bengals for a second-round pick."

No. This is just offseason water-cooler general managers spitballing ideas.

And this one won't make it past the water cooler.