Despite sitting at 2-6 and trending away from playoff contention, the Indianapolis Colts made a clear investment in their future on Tuesday by signing fourth-year defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore to a two-year, $35 million contract extension.
According to reports,, the deal includes $22.5 million in guaranteed money and a $13 million signing bonus.
The contract extension stands in stark contrast to the rest of the organization’s current trajectory. Following a four-game losing skid and a dismal stretch of 13 losses in their last 15 games dating back to last season, co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has officially pivoted toward a comprehensive rebuild beyond the 2026 campaign.
The front office overhaul began two weeks ago with the firing of general manager Chris Ballard. Last week, the franchise traded away two foundational veterans—Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner—to NFC West teams in exchange for draft capital. The Colts are aggressively stockpiling picks for the future,particularly after dealing their upcoming first-round selection to the New York Jets last year in the blockbuster trade for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Trade rumors continue to dominate headlines in Indianapolis. Wide receiver Josh Downs has reportedly requested a trade,while Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor—the top back expected on the market ahead of next Tuesday’s trade deadline—has not.
Adebawore was originally selected by the Colts in the fourth round (No. 110 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Northwestern. Standing at 6-foot and 282 pounds, he saw limited action during his first two seasons—appearing in 26 games with 12 total tackles and 2.5 sacks.
He took his first major developmental leap last year, playing in all 17 games (seven starts) and recording 36 tackles and four sacks. By locking him up for the next two seasons, Indianapolis has successfully secured a cornerstone piece for the interior of their defense as the franchise enters a new era.
