Former Chargers Safety Nasir Adderly Unretires, Signs With Colts

The 28-year-old defensive back is returning to the NFL after a 3-year retirement.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:53am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player making a tackle, with the player's body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.Adderly's return to the NFL adds depth and experience to the Colts' secondary as they look to build on their 2022 playoff run.Indianapolis Today

Nasir Adderly, a former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers, has signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts after retiring from the NFL in 2023 at the age of 25. Adderly cited a desire to focus on his health, family, and entrepreneurship as reasons for his initial retirement, but says he missed the competition and camaraderie of football and is now ready to return to the league.

Why it matters

Adderly's return to the NFL adds experienced depth to the Colts' secondary, which lost several key safeties in the offseason. His signing could provide a boost to the Colts' defense as they look to build on their 2022 playoff appearance.

The details

Adderly was a second-round pick of the Chargers in 2019 and started 24 games over his first three NFL seasons. After his contract expired in 2023, he announced his retirement at age 25. Now 28, Adderly has signed a one-year deal with the Colts, who are looking to replace departed safeties Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas II, and George Odum. Adderly will likely compete with Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas for playing time in the Colts' secondary.

  • Adderly's Chargers contract expired in March 2023.
  • Adderly announced his NFL retirement in March 2023 at the age of 25.
  • Adderly signed a one-year deal with the Colts on April 15, 2026.

The players

Nasir Adderly

A 28-year-old defensive back who was a second-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019 and is now signing with the Indianapolis Colts after a 3-year retirement from the NFL.

Brandon Staley

The former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, who was in that role when Adderly last played in the NFL in 2022.

Nick Cross

The Colts' second-leading tackler in 2022 who is now departing the team.

Jonathan Owens

A safety who previously played for the Chicago Bears and will now compete with Adderly for playing time in the Colts' secondary.

Juanyeh Thomas

A safety who previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and will also compete with Adderly for playing time in the Colts' secondary.

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What they’re saying

“It's not been three years since I left the NFL, and I am extremely happy with my development. Health, family, and entrepreneurship were my top priorities, and I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish.”

— Nasir Adderly

“The freedom to manage my own schedule was very important to me, but what I didn't realize was how much I'd miss having football in my life. The competition, the brotherhood, and just being involved in the game that means so much to me and my family. Therefore, I' am officially announcing my intention to return to the NFL.”

— Nasir Adderly

What’s next

Adderly will compete with Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas for playing time in the Colts' secondary during training camp and the preseason.

The takeaway

Adderly's decision to unretire and sign with the Colts shows the pull that the NFL can have on players, even those who step away from the game. His return adds experienced depth to the Colts' defensive backfield as they look to build on their 2022 playoff appearance.