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Stephen Holder
The Indianapolis Colts have locked up certainly one of their most essential gamers for years to return.
Left deal with Bernhard Raimann, a former tight finish at Central Michigan who has blossomed into one of many workforce’s most indispensable gamers, signed a contract extension, the workforce introduced Tuesday.
The extension is for 4 years and is value $100 million, a workforce supply confirmed.
“I have never actually had time to sit down down and give it some thought,” Raimann mentioned after Tuesday’s coaching camp apply. “That looks as if a dream come true proper now, however I am certain that tonight, seeing my spouse, sitting down with my spouse for the primary time, I am going to take all of it in.”
Raimann, a 2022 third-round draft decide, was getting into the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract, however the extension retains him off the market subsequent spring. He has proven dramatic enchancment in every year of his profession and final season took a leap that demonstrated he may man the essential place for the foreseeable future.
The Colts assume Raimann nonetheless has extra room for development. He has performed at offensive deal with solely since his junior 12 months in faculty, in the course of the COVID-shortened 2020 season (six video games).
“Bernhard has labored extraordinarily onerous, and this contract extension is a testomony to his character, dedication and persistence,” GM Chris Ballard mentioned in a press release. “He exemplifies every of our workforce’s 4 pillars and is a pacesetter in our locker room. I am excited for him and his household on this well-deserved contract extension.”
The Austrian-born Raimann got here to the USA as an trade pupil in his junior 12 months of highschool, however he had already been launched to soccer in his residence nation. That led to his fast ascension and a possibility to play in faculty.
Regardless of his fast growth in Indianapolis, there was some doubt about whether or not this deal would possibly get performed as Raimann prompt final week that the respective sides have been far aside in negotiations.
“Clearly, you concentrate on [the contract]. You realize you wish to be right here,” Raimann mentioned Tuesday. “You realize you need safety for your loved ones. However on the identical time, you’ve got a season to deal with, so I am simply blissful that each one the distractions are out of the best way and we will absolutely deal with the season.”
Protecting Raimann in place was essential for the Colts due to the timing. Indianapolis is revamping its offensive line after the free company departures of four-time Professional Bowl middle Ryan Kelly and proper guard Will Fries. Each gamers joined the Minnesota Vikings.
NFL Community first reported the phrases of Raimann’s contract.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
