Colts Sign Unretired Veteran Safety to Bolster Depth

Nasir Adderley, a former Chargers player, comes out of retirement to join the Colts' secondary.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football safety making a tackle, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of blue and white colors.The Colts' signing of veteran safety Nasir Adderley aims to bolster their secondary depth through a creative, unconventional approach.Indianapolis Today

The Indianapolis Colts have signed free agent safety Nasir Adderley, who last played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022 before retiring from the NFL. Adderley, a 28-year-old safety, was originally a 2019 2nd round pick of the Chargers and recorded 232 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 12 passes defensed during his 50-game career with the team.

Why it matters

With the departure of safety Nick Cross in free agency, the Colts were looking to add experienced depth to their secondary. If Adderley can regain his prior form, he could potentially challenge for a starting role alongside veteran Cam Bynum and second-year player Hunter Wohler.

The details

Adderley last played in 2022, when he made 62 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 4 passes defensed in 16 games (15 starts) for the Chargers. The Colts have also added safeties Juanyeh Thomas and Jonathan Owens this offseason to provide additional depth at the position.

  • Adderley last played for the Chargers in 2022 before retiring.
  • The Colts signed Adderley as a free agent in April 2026.

The players

Nasir Adderley

A 28-year-old safety who was originally a 2019 2nd round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers. He recorded 232 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 12 passes defensed during his 50-game career with the Chargers from 2019-2022.

Cam Bynum

An entrenched veteran safety for the Colts who is projected to start alongside Hunter Wohler in the team's secondary.

Hunter Wohler

A second-year safety for the Colts who is projected to start alongside veteran Cam Bynum in the team's secondary.

Juanyeh Thomas

A free agent safety signed by the Colts this offseason to provide depth at the position.

Jonathan Owens

A free agent safety signed by the Colts this offseason, who projects more as core special teams depth.

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What they’re saying

“Originally a 2019 2nd round pick of the Chargers, the 6,'0', 206 pound safety had recorded 232 tackles (168 solo), 3 interceptions, 12 passes defensed, 0.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries during 50 career games (44 starts) with Los Angeles from 2019-2022.”

— ESPN's Adam Schefter, NFL Reporter

What’s next

The Colts will evaluate Adderley's progress during training camp and preseason to determine if he can earn a starting role in their secondary.

The takeaway

The Colts are taking a low-risk flier on a veteran safety in Nasir Adderley, hoping he can regain his prior form and provide experienced depth in their secondary after the departure of Nick Cross. This move highlights the team's ongoing efforts to build a well-rounded defensive unit.