The Indianapolis Colts aren’t purging their entire roster.
Per NFL Network, the Colts and defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore have agreed to a $35 million contract extension with a $13 million roster bonus.
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The deal adds $22.5 million in new money to his contract through the 2027 season, per the report. A fourth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Adebawore was previously on track to became a free agent in the offseason at the conclusion of his four-year, $4.6 million rookie contract.
Adebawore, 25, has tied his career high with four sacks through eight games in addition to recording 19 tackles and eight quarterback hits. He’s emerged as one of the Colts’ more promising young players.
Adetomiwa Adebawore has a $35 million contract extension after playing on a four-year, $4.6 million rookie deal.
(AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Adebawore was the subject of trade speculation amid an ongoing roster purge and rebuild in the aftermath of the dismissal of long-time general manager Chris Ballard on Oct. 19. A Colts team that invested in quarterback Daniel Jones via a two-year, $88 million extension in the offseason has since begun to offload its top veteran players amid a 2-6 start to the season.
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The Colts traded perennial All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seahawks on Oct. 27, then dealt former All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the 49ers hours later. The trades netted the Colts third- and fourth-round picks in 2027 and a fifth-round selection in 2028 as they set their sights squarely on building for the future.
Three-time Pro Bowl running back and fan favorite Jonathan Taylor is reportedly among the players who’s also on the trade block ahead of the NFL’s Nov. 10 trade deadline. Starting wide receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade.
Adebawore was also believed to be on the block, but the Colts have signaled their intent to keep him by extending his contract. Adebawore can conceivably contribute to a Colts turnaround if they choose to keep him beyond his extension. Taylor, 27, Nelson, 30, and Buckner, 32, are better suited to help teams that are ready to win now.
