Forecasting Bernhard Raimann’s Next Contract Extension
As the Indianapolis Colts look to secure long-term stability for their young core, few players have risen in value as dramatically as left tackle Bernhard Raimann. Drafted in the third round in 2022, Raimann has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most consistent and well-rounded offensive linemen. In a league where elite tackle play comes at a premium—and where the margin between protecting a franchise quarterback and collapsing an entire offensive strategy is razor-thin—Raimann’s performance could soon command a contract at the top end of the market.
To understand what kind of deal the Colts might need to offer Raimann, we examine his performance, compare him to similar tackles, and assess the broader landscape of offensive line contracts. The data suggests that Indianapolis may soon have one of the most expensive offensive lines in the league—but potentially one of the most effective as well.
Raimann’s Rapid Rise and Value
Bernhard Raimann has developed rapidly since joining the Colts. In 2023 Pro Football Focus gave him an 82.7 grade (fifth among all NFL tackles) and in 2024 an 85.1 (eighth), reflecting how he went from a developing prospect to a top-10 performer. Over those two seasons he compiled an 87.9 overall grade – seventh best among all NFL offensive tackles. All this has come on a rookie contract worth only $5.3 million total (about $1.3M per year), far below what an established left tackle would command — indeed, the league’s best now earn roughly $25M per season. In other words, Indianapolis is enjoying “one of the best tackles in the league at one of the lowest price tags”, underscoring the incredible value he’s provided.
Comparable Contracts and Market
The current market for quality left tackles provides useful benchmarks. Just this offseason the Titans gave Dan Moore Jr. a 4-year, $82M extension, while the Rams signed Alaric Jackson to 3 years/$57.75M. Other recent deals include Kolton Miller’s 3 years/$54M and Orlando Brown Jr.’s 4 years/$64M. These four contracts average about 4 years/$84.5M, roughly establishing a baseline market. Based on Raimann’s performance, Stampede Blue projects his extension at the top end of that range — about 4 years/$90.5M (with $48M guaranteed).
Heavy.com’s analysis reaches a similar conclusion. Writer Evan Cormier highlights the Moore and Jackson deals and notes Raimann “is better than both of them”. He even invokes Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata’s 3 years/$66M extension as an upper bound. Cormier ultimately estimates Raimann’s contract at roughly four years/$88M (about 51% guaranteed). In other words, both outlets suggest a deal in the $20–22M per year range, commensurate with a starting NFL left tackle of his caliber.
Projected Extension and Impact
Putting these data points together, most forecasts call for a large, multi-year deal for Raimann. He is entering 2025 as a lock to start at left tackle, and the consensus is a four-year extension in the high-$80M to low-$90M range (roughly $20–23M per year). As SI’s Jake Arthur observes, 15 NFL left tackles already make at least $20M per year, and Raimann “will certainly be among them” – he “won’t get any cheaper”. This implies Indianapolis will have to commit a significant portion of its salary cap to keep him. At 27 years old, Raimann is entering his prime years, so a multi-year deal would keep him at left tackle into his early-30s.
Analysts stress that the Colts should act quickly. SB Nation’s analysis bluntly advises that the team “need[s] to get Raimann under contract before the season starts or else his price will rise… He has nothing more to prove”. Likewise, SI’s Drake Wally warns that with a new quarterback on the way, “the last thing [the Colts] want is a void at left tackle”. In summary, we project Raimann will sign a four-year deal in the neighborhood of $85–95 million (with roughly half guaranteed). This would tie up substantial salary-cap resources on the Colts’ offensive line, but it would lock in a top-tier left tackle long term.
