Colts’ Bernhard Raimann: A Star Left Tackle Playing on a Bargain Deal
The Indianapolis Colts are quietly reaping the benefits of one of the best value contracts in the NFL. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann, a standout on the offensive line, remains one of the league’s most underrated players.
Selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Raimann is entering the final year of his rookie deal — a four-year, $5.3 million contract averaging just $1.3 million per season. That’s an incredible bargain for a starting left tackle, especially one performing at his level. But if the Colts don’t extend him before the 2025 season kicks off, Raimann will hit free agency for the first time — a scenario that could prove costly for Indianapolis.
“It’s hard to say what Raimann would command, but the Colts have a staple and potential pillar at left tackle,” wrote Sports Illustrated’s Drake Wally. “With the next quarterback under pressure to perform well, the last thing [head coach Shane] Steichen wants is a void at left tackle for his offense.”
Raimann’s Value and Market Projection
Raimann may not yet be in the $25 million-per-year tier of top tackles, but he’s not far off. Colts analyst Andrew Aziz believes the 26-year-old could command a deal close to that range.
“My projection of his contract is: 4 years, $90.5 million with $48 million guaranteed,” Aziz wrote. “The Colts need to get Raimann under contract before the season starts or else his price will rise. He has nothing more to prove and is worthy of the extension.”
Aziz compared Raimann’s situation to recent deals signed this offseason by players like Dan Moore Jr. of the Titans (4 years, $82 million, $50 million guaranteed) and Alaric Jackson of the Rams (3 years, $57.8 million, $30 million guaranteed). Raimann has consistently outperformed both, setting a strong market baseline of at least $20 million per year for his next deal.
Philadelphia’s Jordan Mailata — widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier tackles — signed a three-year, $66 million extension last spring before helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Raimann’s camp may look to that deal as a benchmark in negotiations.
If the Colts want to lock in their left tackle of the future, a four-year, $88 million extension with roughly half guaranteed seems like a realistic target.
Raimann’s 2024 Season: Elite Production
Raimann’s performance in 2024 only strengthened his case. He was a top-10 tackle by nearly every major metric and continued his steady year-over-year improvement. In 1,159 career pass-blocking snaps, he’s allowed just 15 sacks — a testament to both durability and consistency.
Pro Football Focus praised Raimann’s 2024 campaign, ranking him seventh overall among all offensive tackles over the past two seasons and fifth among left tackles. He led the Colts in pass-blocking grade (82.0), ranking 14th league-wide among offensive tackles, and was one of only six tackles to finish top 12 in both pass-blocking and run-blocking grades.
“Raimann might be the most underrated tackle in the NFL,” PFF wrote. “He was among the best left tackles in the league for the second straight season.”
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