Colts' Adetomiwa Adebawore cashes in on ascending role, lands $25M contract extension

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Adetomiwa Adebawore. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Colts' Adetomiwa Adebawore cashes in on ascending role, lands $25M contract extension

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Nov 3, 2026 9:44 PM ET

Adetomiwa Adebawore has had a strong fourth season with the Indianapolis Colts.

That's why, amid a terrible 2-6 season and a talent fire sale that has seen them trade away Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, the Colts have decided to sign Adebawore to a contract extension.

It's a two-year, $35 million contract extension that includes $13 million in signing bonus money.

Adetomiwa, 25, is cashing in on a season that has seen him play like one of the only bright spots the Colts have to offer in 2026. Heading into Week 9, he's notched four sacks, eight quarterback hits, four tackles for loss and two pass break-ups.

He leads all NFL defensive tackles in pressure rate (16.1%) and pass-rush win rate (17%). Per Pro Football Focus, his pass rush grade is third among all defensive tackles.

The #Colts and DL Adetomiwa Adebawore have agreed to terms on a two-year, $35 million extension that includes a $13 million signing bonus and $22.5 million in new money through 2027.

Adebawore, 25, cashes in on a breakout season in a deal negotiated by @kenny_zuckerman of… pic.twitter.com/eU0Q1F5ayy
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 3, 2026

Adebawore was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with pick No. 110 overall.

Checking in at 6-foot-2, 282 pounds, he transitioned from playing defensive end at Northwestern to playing three-technique defensive tackle for the Colts.

Indianapolis Colts confident in Adetomiwa Adebawore moving forward

He's an elite athlete, and that athleticism transferred over for him and allowed him to become a playmaker on the interior defensive line. He's so much more than just a gap-stuffer.

In four seasons, Adebawore has notched 10.5 sacks. In fact, his ascension is part of the reason the Colts felt comfortable trading Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers.

"He's playing at a high level, and I think he's only going to continue to elevate that level," head coach Shane Steichen said, per the Colts' official website. "It's been exciting to see his growth since his rookie year. Him winning the one-on-one pass rush stuff, taking on double teams, the relentless effort, effort going after the football, going after the quarterback. I'm excited for him moving forward."

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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