Colts Absorb $39M Hit as Stewart Takes Over Defensive Leadership
Indianapolis offloads veteran tackle for a 2027 draft pick while the 2-5 squad faces a $39 million contract in its final year.
By Mia Bennett ·
The Indianapolis Colts have finalized a trade sending defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The move completes a personnel shift for a team currently sitting at 2-5, as it removes a veteran leader who has anchored the defensive line for seven seasons.
Grover Stewart, a 10-year veteran of the organization, now steps into the primary leadership role on the defense. Stewart has played alongside Buckner for the past seven years, and both men served as team captains during that span. With Buckner returning to the franchise that originally drafted him, Stewart is tasked with maintaining the standard set by his former partner.
Stewart acknowledged the emotional weight of the separation. “It really hurt me,” Stewart said. “Seeing my guy going back home and stuff like that. It hurt me. It’s a lifetime bond, man. Brother, best friend, the dynamic duo. Like, it’s just a bond you can’t never break, man.” He added that while losing Buckner takes a toll, he is committed to leading the younger players and the locker room.
The trade occurs amid a broader organizational overhaul. General Manager Chris Ballard was recently fired, and longtime guard Quenton Nelson was dealt to Seattle. Stewart is currently in the final year of a three-year contract worth $39 million, a deal he signed in March 2024. The Colts selected Stewart in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Stewart’s future with the team remains uncertain as the roster undergoes changes. He stated his focus is on completing his current responsibilities before addressing his status. “My goal is don’t flinch, man,” Stewart said. “I still got a job to do, so I’m going to stick to doing my job.”
The deadline to trade Stewart is Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. If the Colts do not move him by that date, he will remain with the team for the rest of the season. Stewart plans to wait until the season concludes to discuss his long-term future.
The Colts will play their next game on Sunday, Nov. 1, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars hold a 4-2 record, while the Colts are 2-5.
Source: WISH-TV
