The Colts have secured one of their key players for the future.
Left tackle Bernhard Raimann, who previously played tight end at Central Michigan and has become a vital part of the team, signed a four-year contract extension worth $100 million, as confirmed by a team source.
Raimann, selected in the third round of the 2022 draft, was about to enter the last year of his rookie deal. This extension keeps him off the market next spring. He has shown significant improvement each year and last season proved he could effectively handle this important position for years to come.
The Colts believe there is still more potential for Raimann’s growth. He has only been playing offensive tackle since his junior year in college during the Covid-shortened 2020 season, where he played six games.
Originally from Austria, Raimann moved to the United States as an exchange student in high school, which helped him learn football—a sport he had first encountered back home. This opportunity led to his rapid rise and a chance to play at the college level.
However, there were some concerns about whether this deal would be finalized. Just last week, Raimann mentioned in an interview with Indianapolis radio station 107.5-FM that both sides seemed far apart in negotiations.
“From what I understand, they’re not on the same page,” he said. “It seems like the numbers don’t quite match up yet because [the Colts] value my position differently than my [agents] think it should be. But we are working on it.”
It was crucial for the Colts to keep Raimann on the team due to the timing. Indianapolis is working to improve its offensive line after losing four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries to free agency. Both players have signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
