The Indianapolis Colts put an end to weeks of trade chatter surrounding one of their brightest young players on Tuesday, announcing an agreement on a contract extension with defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore that prevents him from reaching free agency in the spring.
A source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo that the extension is worth $35 million over two years and keeps Adebawore in Indianapolis through the 2028 season. The deal was negotiated by agent Kenny Zuckerman of Priority Sports.
According to the source, the contract includes a $13 million signing bonus, with $22.5 million in new money coming through 2027.
Adebawore, 25, was a fourth-round pick in 2023 and has broken out in a big way this season. He leads the team with four sacks, and his 23.3% pass-rush win rate is the best mark among Indianapolis defensive linemen.
Those numbers are even more impressive considering the attention he draws from opposing offenses. Adebawore has faced double teams on 78.8% of his pass-rush snaps and has still managed to produce.
The extension comes during a period of major transition for the franchise. The Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard last month, then traded guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers a week later as the organization pivoted toward the future.
More moves could follow. Star running back Jonathan Taylor remains the subject of constant trade speculation as the team looks to recoup draft picks, presumably to retool the roster. Receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade, coach Shane Steichen confirmed, though it remains unclear whether he will be dealt.
Adebawore, however, was never a player Indianapolis wanted to move. His looming free agency did draw trade interest from other clubs, but the Colts view him as one of the young players they intend to build around as they search for a new top executive and restock their talent pool.
