Raimann said last week that there was a gap between his asking price and the Colts’ offers, but that difference was resolved in a matter of days. In that time, the Chargers signed Rashawn Slater to a $28.5M APY extension, which may have helped to accelerate negotiations in Indianapolis.
Raimann’s $25M APY makes him the sixth-highest paid offensive lineman in the league, tied with Laremy Tunsil and Lane Johnson. His contract also includes $60M in guaranteed money; if that amount is fully guaranteed, it would be the second-most among all offensive lineman.
Regardless of the precise terms, it’s an impressive deal for the Austrian-born Raimann, a rare franchise left tackle drafted outside of the first round. That’s all the more impressive considering the fact that he converted from tight end to offensive tackle at Central Michigan in 2020 and only played 18 games at the position before going to the NFL. After a strong Combine, the Colts bet on his athletic potential and selected him in the third round (No. 77) of the 2022 draft. Raimann had an uneven start to his rookie year, but took over the left tackle job in Week 9 and never looked back.
Raimann is not a household name, due in part to his lack of Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition. However, he has been graded as a top-10 tackle by Pro Football Focus over the last two years, combining with Quenton Nelson to form one of the best tackle-guard duos in the league. With a combined APY of $45M, they are now also one of the most expensive.
The Colts now have Raimann under contract through 2029, but their future at other spots is less clear. Nelson is due for an extension next offseason and will likely get another deal at the top of the guard market barring a significant injury or drop in play. The team hopes Tanor Bortolini can succeed Ryan Kelly, but the 2024 fourth-rounder only has five pro starts under his belt.
2024 third-rounder Matt Goncalves is moving to right guard after playing tackle in college as well as his rookie year. Braden Smith accepted a pay cut this year, which often precludes a parting of ways after the season, though Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley stands out as an exception. Indianapolis will be hoping that its 2024 draftees can hold up in starting roles and leave right tackle as the only uncertain spot heading into 2026.
Raimann is now the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman drafted outside of the first round, as well as one of the highest-paid foreign-born players in league history.
