• Bernhard Raimann signs a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts.
• The deal includes $60 million in guaranteed money, making him one of the NFL's highest-paid left tackles.
• Raimann earned elite blocking grades in 2024, solidifying his role as a cornerstone player.
• The extension provides crucial blindside protection ahead of the quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.

The Indianapolis Colts sent a clear message today: protecting the quarterback is priority number one. The team locked down a cornerstone of their future, signing left tackle Bernhard Raimann to a staggering four-year, $100 million contract extension. The deal, which includes $60 million in guaranteed money, solidifies the blindside for years to come and sets the stage for the critical quarterback battle unfolding at Grand Park.

A third-round pick in 2022, Bernhard Raimann is now one of the top five highest-paid left tackles in the entire NFL.

From Project to Payday

Just a few years ago, Bernhard Raimann was a developmental prospect from Central Michigan. Today, he's one of the richest offensive linemen in football. The four-year, $100 million deal negotiated by Chase Callahan of Excel Sports Management is a testament to Raimann's incredible development. After starting 40 games since being drafted in 2022, his 2024 season was nothing short of dominant, earning him elite blocking grades of 85.1 overall, 82.0 in pass-blocking, and 80.7 in run-blocking. He now joins All-Pro Quenton Nelson as a foundational pillar of the Colts' offensive front for the foreseeable future.

Protecting the Quarterback Investment

This extension isn't just about rewarding a great player; it's a strategic necessity. As the quarterback competition between the athletic-but-developing Anthony Richardson and the veteran Daniel Jones heats up, the front office has ensured that whoever wins the job will have elite protection. General Manager Chris Ballard has preached patience with Richardson's growth, and giving him a top-tier left tackle is a crucial part of that developmental plan. This move provides stability on an offense that desperately needs it.

Defensive Resolve and Injury Watch

While the offense celebrated, the defense is focused on redemption. Star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner spoke about the need for major improvement after a disappointing 2024 campaign. The unit will have to start camp without its leader, however, as linebacker Zaire Franklin is currently sidelined while recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Franklin, who led the entire NFL with 173 tackles last season, is expected to return soon, but his absence is a reminder of how critical health will be for a defensive turnaround.

With Raimann's future secured, the Colts have made a significant down payment on their offensive stability. Now, the focus intensifies on the practice fields of Westfield. Who will be under center when the Miami Dolphins come to town on September 7th? The protection is in place; the next six weeks will determine who gets to use it.