INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — With a full rebuild underway for the Indianapolis Colts, 10th-year Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart is now left without one of his closest teammates, DeForest Buckner. Buckner spent the past seven seasons patrolling the defensive line alongside Stewart. Now, he’ s headed back to the San Francisco 49ers, the team that drafted him. The Colts traded Buckner to San Francisco in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. After the deal was announced, Stewart reflected on seeing one of his best friends move on to another organization. “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.” There’s no question Buckner was one of the most outspoken leaders on the Colts’ defense. He was named a team captain in every season he’s been with the Colts, but now Stewart says it’s up to him to uphold the standard Buckner set during his seven seasons in Indianapolis. “I mean, Buck (DeForest Buckner) was a great guy, great leader,” Stewart said. “He always helped out everybody and losing him, it takes a toll. But then again, I’m still here, so I’m going to lead the young guys. I’m going to lead the locker room, the team, and keep doing my job.” Stewart is in the final year of the three-year, $39 million contract he signed with the team in March 2024. As the Colts begin a major rebuild, with general manager Chris Ballard fired and longtime guard Quenton Nelson traded to Seattle, Stewart was asked how he stays focused amid swirling trade rumors. “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 Colts selected 33-year-old Stewart in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. With the trade deadline two weeks away, he was asked whether he hopes to remain in Indianapolis after it passes. “When the season’s over, that’s when I’ll deal with that,” Stewart said. If the Colts decide to trade Stewart, they’ll have to do so by the deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. The 2-5 Indianapolis Colts will head south to play the 4-2 Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, November 1. ...read more read less