Bernhard Raimann has quietly developed into a reliable presence on the Colts’ offensive line, especially in a position as critical as left tackle. With both Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones expected to compete for the starting quarterback job, ensuring the blindside is secure becomes even more crucial particularly given both QBs’ histories with injuries and inconsistency.
Raimann, a 2022 third-round pick, has shown steady growth and now enters a pivotal contract year. He’s started consistently, and while he’s not yet a Pro Bowl-level tackle, he’s shown enough improvement in pass protection and run blocking to be considered a long-term piece. Locking him up before he hits the open market could be a smart move for the Colts, especially as offensive tackle salaries continue to rise league wide.
Tyler Sullivan’s suggestion to extend Raimann is rooted in that logic: keep your young, ascending linemen under contract at a reasonable rate before they become too expensive or get poached in free agency. If the Colts want to build around either Richardson or Jones, maintaining stability on the line is step one.
That quote from Tyler Sullivan underscores just how valuable Bernhard Raimann has become to the Colts’ offensive line and how urgent it may be to get a deal done before his market value spikes.
Raimann’s PFF ranking as the eighth-highest graded offensive tackle in the NFL last season puts him in elite company, especially for a former third-round pick. He’s not only durable starting all 29 games he’s played the past two years but also dependable at one of the most important positions in football.
If the Colts wait too long and Raimann replicates or improves upon his 2024 performance in 2025, they risk having to pay him top-tier left tackle money or losing him altogether. With quarterback still a question mark and the offense needing as much stability as possible, extending Raimann this summer would be a smart, forward-thinking move by GM Chris Ballard.
Bernhard Raimann’s steady rise has quietly turned him into one of the more dependable left tackles in the NFL even if national attention hasn’t quite caught up.
Allowing just 20 total pressures in 2024, which ranked 13th-best in the league, is no small feat. That kind of production at left tackle especially from a former third-rounder is gold for a team with an unsettled quarterback situation. Raimann’s ability to hold his own on an island against elite edge rushers gives the Colts flexibility in both pass protection schemes and offensive play-calling.
Kevin Hickey’s assessment from Sporting News rings true: Raimann has been a model of consistency and doesn’t get enough recognition. While flashier names dominate headlines, Raimann has just gone about his business, improving every year and anchoring a critical position.
If Indianapolis is serious about building a sustainable offense, locking up Raimann before the season starts would show their commitment to that foundation and might even save them money long-term.
Left tackle depth chart
Exactly the lack of proven depth behind Bernhard Raimann highlights just how indispensable he is to the Colts’ offensive line.
Blake Freeland may have intriguing physical tools that 6’7” frame and athleticism from his Combine performance but he remains unproven, with only nine games played in two seasons. Luke Tenuta and Marshall Foerner, meanwhile, are developmental depth at best. If Raimann were to miss time, the drop-off in protection and run blocking could be significant.
That makes Raimann not just a starter, but a cornerstone the Colts can’t afford to lose. With Jonathan Taylor depending on clean lanes to maximize his explosiveness, and either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones needing a clean pocket to stay upright and gain confidence, Raimann’s presence becomes even more critical.
Extending him now isn’t just about locking in a good player it’s about stabilizing the entire offense. Without Raimann, the Colts’ left tackle situation quickly becomes one of the weakest spots on the roster.
The Colts need to protect the quarterback
That’s a sharp and realistic assessment of the Colts’ current situation.
The quarterback position remains the biggest uncertainty heading into 2025. Anthony Richardson, despite being a high-upside pick, hasn’t come close to tapping into his potential. His 47.7% completion rate and 12 interceptions in 11 games last season highlight the inconsistency and decision-making issues that have stalled his development. Lance Zierlein’s pre-draft warning still echoes loudly Richardson was always going to be a project, and so far, the growth hasn’t materialized.
Daniel Jones, meanwhile, has had plenty of time to prove himself. A 24-44-1 record with the Giants speaks volumes. He’s a short-term stopgap at best, not someone a franchise builds around. If he’s starting Week 1, it’s because Richardson either isn’t ready or hasn’t earned it neither scenario is ideal.
This makes the offensive line and especially Bernhard Raimann the most valuable non-skill asset on the offense. Whether it’s buying Richardson time to develop and make better reads, or helping Jones stay upright and limit turnovers, the importance of pass protection can’t be overstated.
But it’s not just about QBs. Jonathan Taylor’s success is also contingent on consistent line play. Without reliable holes to run through, even an elite back can look average.
If the Colts want to stabilize their offense and give both quarterbacks a real chance, extending Raimann now is more than smart it’s foundational. He’s young, improving, and plays a premium position where the drop-off behind him is massive. In a period of offensive instability, Raimann is one of the few known quantities and a worthy building block for the future.
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