The Indianapolis Colts are taking a flyer on recently unretired safety Nasir Adderley.
Adderley was a reliable starter for the Los Angeles Chargers but abruptly retired after the 2022 season. He came out of retirement in February, and the Colts signed him to a deal on Tuesday.
He was drafted by the Chargers out of Delaware in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and was a backup safety behind starter Rayshawn Jenkins—appearing in just 4 games, mostly as a special teamer. He recorded just 2 total tackles in his rookie season.
In 2020, starting free safety Derwin James Jr. went down with a season-ending injury, and Jenkins slid over to that position, making Adderley the starting strong safety. He appeared in 15 games and racked up 69 total tackles, a fumble recovery, 3 passes defended, and an interception.
He had a breakout season in 2021, amassing 99 total tackles, a half sack, a forced fumble, a recovery, and 5 pass defenses.
In 2022, he put up 62 tackles, a forced fumble, 4 pass defenses, and 2 interceptions.
Adderley abruptly retired after his rookie contract with the Chargers expired.
“After a period of self reflection, I have decided it’s time for me to walk away from the game of football,” Adderley wrote in an Instagram post from the time, since deleted.
“Over the past couple of years I have denied this realization, but I’m finally going to put myself first for once. My health is above anything and everyone around me knows that. Truly over-standing [sic] my purpose has given me the confidence knowing I don’t belong [as] an employee anymore. My purpose involves spending more time with my loved ones, business ownership and chasing my passion of true liberation.”
Adderley called playing in the NFL a dream come true. He added that he gave the sport everything he had, and had yet to scratch the surface of his potential as a player, but refused to sacrifice his peace of mind to do so.
Three years later, he announced his intention to return to the game. In another Instagram post on Feb. 9, he said he was “extremely happy with my development,” and the accomplishments he made in his personal life. He said he enjoyed the freedom of schedule but did not realize how much he missed playing.
“The competition, the brotherhood, and just being involved in the game that means so much to my family,” he said.
Adderley adds depth and a veteran presence at strong safety, and low risk, to a Colts team that lost starter Nick Cross and backup free safety Rodney Thomas II in free agency. The Colts brought in Juanyeh Thomas from the Dallas Cowboys and journeyman Jonathan Owens, but neither has extensive experience. Thomas was a backup for three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, and Owens had one full season as a starter with the Houston Texans, racking up 125 tackles and 4 passes defended, but has since been mostly a backup.
The Colts also have 2025 seventh-round pick Hunter Wohler, second-year pro Reuben Lowery III, and 2025 undrafted free agent Ben Nikkel at strong safety; and 2023 fifth-round pick Daniel Scott, and 2025 UDFA Trey Washington at free safety.
Towt won’t be the only person on the team who never played a snap of college football. The Colts recently re-signed veteran Mo Alie-Cox. Alie-Cox played basketball at Virginia Commonwealth before signing as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
