The San Francisco 49ers exercised the fifth-year option on DeForest Buckner's rookie contract in April. The move guarantees the Pro Bowl defensive tackle remains with the team through the 2020 season.
The 49ers want to lock up the budding defensive star for the foreseeable future. The team is actively working on a contract extension, which will make Buckner one of the highest-paid players at his position.
Buckner had a career-high 12 sacks last season after racking up nine in his first two NFL seasons. Each year, the defensive lineman discusses his statistical goals heading into the new season.
Buckner said he wanted six sacks his during his rookie year. He reached that mark.
Buckner wanted 10 in 2017. He got three.
Buckner had a number in mind for 2018 but didn't want to share it after failing to reach his goal the year before. He had a career year getting to opposing quarterbacks.
What about this year?
"I always set expectations for myself," Buckner told reporters on Friday, "and I'm going to just tell you I'm going to get as many sacks as I can this year."
Another impressive season like the last one could skyrocket Buckner's market value. He knows the contract situation will eventually get resolved. Buckner is letting his agents handle it and wants to remain focused on the upcoming season.
"I see what's going on in the league and everything, and guys holding out and all that kind of stuff," Buckner said. "I'm just focused on the year. I'm excited for it, and I don't want any distractions. I'm not really focused on [the contract] right now. If you really look into it, I'm really looking at the guys in my draft class, too.
"I kind of just filter it out and really just focus on the now."
The 49ers might end up committing even more money to Buckner should they wait. The team brought in help to alleviate some of the double teams the defensive tackle saw in his first three seasons. San Francisco added veteran Dee Ford and drafted Nick Bosa to bookend the line and improve the pass rush.
That could mean big numbers for Buckner.
"We made some great additions in the offseason," Buckner said. "We've been working together during OTAs and everything. The guys are up for the challenge. There's a lot of expectations, and I think we should live up to those expectations."
One NFL analyst can even envision Buckner racking up 20 sacks and being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. A bold prediction, indeed.
"It's a new season, a new year," Buckner said. "Got the guys back in the office, you know what I mean? I'm just ready to go."
