INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts, amid rampant trade speculation, announced an agreement on a contract extension with up-and-coming defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore on Tuesday, keeping the 2023 fourth-round pick from hitting free agency in the spring.
A source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo that Adebawore signed a two-year, $35 million extension that will keep him in Indianapolis through the 2028 season. The deal, negotiated by agent Kenny Zuckerman of Priority Sports, includes a $13 million signing bonus and $22.5 million in new money through 2027.
Adebawore, 25, has enjoyed a breakout season this year, with a team-high four sacks and a 23.3% pass rush win rate -- best among Indy's defensive linemen. Adebawore has managed to produce even while seeing double-teams on 78.8% of his pass-rush snaps.
The Colts have shifted toward the future since the firing of general manager Chris Ballard last month, followed a week later by the trades of guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, respectively.
There remains constant speculation that star running back Jonathan Taylor might also be traded, as the team looks to recoup draft picks that it presumably will use to retool its roster. Receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade, coach Shane Steichen confirmed, but it's unclear whether he will be moved.
But Adebawore was not a player the Colts were willing to part with. Given his status as an impending free agent, he did attract trade interest from other clubs. But Adebawore is one of the young players the Colts would like to build around as they look to hire a new top executive and replenish their talent.