Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) gets a five from fellow offensive tackle Blake Freeland (73) on Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Colts' Ballard Raves About Bernhard Raimann Extension

Originally posted on Indianapolis Colts on SI
By Sean Ackerman | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 10:12 AM ET

The Indianapolis Colts signed left tackle Bernhard Raimann to a four-year extension worth $100 million on Monday night.

Raimann, who was originally selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft by Indianapolis, has been a staple piece of the Colts' offensive line since entering the league. In three seasons, Raimann has 40 starts and has proven to be one of the best young blindside blockers in all of football.

After initial reports suggested that the Colts and Raimann were experiencing disputes over extension talks, the team finally secured a deal that makes Raimann one of the highest-paid players at his position.

Bernie is BACK. pic.twitter.com/YVpeUIxmh9
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 29, 2025

Colts general manager Chris Ballard shared his thoughts after Raimann agreed to terms.

"Bernhard has worked extremely hard, and this contract extension is a testament to his character, dedication and persistence," Ballard said. "He exemplifies each of our team's four pillars and is a leader in our locker room. I'm excited for him and his family on this well-deserved contract extension."

Raimann was handed an 85.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last season, which ranked him as the eighth-best tackle in the league. In 856 offensive snaps, he committed six penalties and allowed four sacks. Still, he was ranked as a top-15 blocker in both the ground game and pass protection.

I know Chris Ballard has his warts, but finding a franchise left tackle in round 3 is certainly one of the biggest hits of his tenure.

Bernhard Raimann is a really solid player that’ll start here in Indy for a long long time
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) July 29, 2025

After arriving in America to continue his dreams of making it to the NFL, Raimann was originally recruited by Central Michigan University as a tight end. Raimann eventually switched to the offensive line, and it was the right call. In 2021, PFF named Raimann as a First-Team All-American member following a strong senior year.

The Colts lost two starting linemen in Ryan Kelly and Will Fries this offseason, so it's a huge plus to nail down Raimann's contract before the 2025 season begins. Indianapolis will rely on him and Quenton Nelson to hold down the fort on the left side of the line. Nelson is now the second-highest paid member of Indy's O-Line, behind Raimann.

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This article first appeared on Indianapolis Colts on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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