The Indianapolis Colts’ 2025 Premier Madden League season has taken a dramatic turn. After a sluggish 4–5 start, frustration is beginning to boil over within the organization. The latest headline: defensive captain and veteran leader DeForest Buckner has officially requested a trade.
Alec Pierce: The Spark That Lit the Fuse
Much of the current tension started with rumors surrounding wide receiver Alec Pierce. Once considered a core piece of the Colts’ offensive puzzle, Pierce has found himself in the middle of trade speculation. The front office’s willingness to shop him shocked the locker room, especially given his chemistry with quarterback Anthony Richardson and his role as a downfield threat.
Although no deal has been finalized, word of Pierce being “on the way out” spread quickly through the team and league. For some veterans, particularly DeForest Buckner, the move signaled something deeper: a potential rebuild at a time when Indianapolis was expected to be pushing toward contention.
Buckner’s Breaking Point
At 31 years old, Buckner has been one of the Colts’ most consistent performers and vocal leaders. His production hasn’t slipped—he remains one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in PML—but time is catching up. With two years left on his contract, Buckner wants to maximize what’s left of his prime.
According to sources close to the situation, Buckner was “angry and disappointed” to hear that management was considering moving Pierce, a player he views as a vital contributor to the team’s success. Combined with the Colts’ 4–5 record, the trade rumors were enough to push Buckner to formally request a move of his own.
“He doesn’t want to waste the back end of his career on another rebuild,” one league insider told PML Network. “Buckner believes he can still be the missing piece on a contender. If the Colts are going to start over, he doesn’t want to be part of it.”
What’s Next for the Colts?
The request puts Indianapolis in a difficult spot. Buckner is still under contract for two more seasons, and trading him would leave a massive hole in the middle of their defensive line. On the flip side, his value around the league is high, and contenders will surely line up with offers.
For general manager Greeny and head coach Rex Ryan, the dilemma is clear:
- Keep Buckner and risk alienating him further, potentially souring the locker room atmosphere.
- Move him for draft capital or young players, signaling to the rest of the team that the Colts are leaning into a retool or rebuild.
The decision may also hinge on how the Colts perform over the next few weeks. At 4–5, Indianapolis still has a path back into playoff contention. If they can string together wins, perhaps Buckner can be convinced to stay. But if the slide continues, the front office could decide it’s time to cash in.
Market for Buckner
Around the PML, multiple teams could use a player of Buckner’s caliber. Defensive-line-needy contenders could be prime landing spots. His ability to anchor a front, collapse pockets, and stop the run makes him one of the most impactful interior defenders available. His superstar ability inside stuff is one of the most coveted in the game.
While his contract isn’t small, contenders know that Buckner brings more than just production. He’s a respected veteran presence with playoff experience, exactly the type of addition that could swing a postseason run.
Locker Room Impact
The Colts’ locker room dynamic is fragile. Anthony Richardson’s development has been under a microscope, and the offense has lacked consistency despite flashes of potential. Trading away key contributors like Pierce—and now potentially Buckner—could send a strong message that the team is prioritizing the future over the present.
At the same time, moving Buckner could also create clarity. If Indianapolis is truly leaning toward building around its young core, including Richardson and rookie contributors, then cashing in veterans for assets may be the most logical step.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
This is a pivotal moment for the Colts in the Premier Madden League. Buckner’s trade request highlights the tension between chasing wins now and planning for the future. With the team hovering below .500 and internal frustrations bubbling to the surface, Indianapolis must decide which direction to take.
For DeForest Buckner, the message is clear: he wants to win, and he’s running out of time. Whether the Colts grant him that opportunity elsewhere or convince him to stick it out in Indianapolis may define not only the rest of this season but also the trajectory of the franchise.
