Adderley, 28, spent 2019–2022 with the Chargers before retiring to focus on health and other opportunities. He announced in February that he intended to return to football, and the Colts granted him a chance to re-enter the league this season. The deal is structured to be team-friendly, giving Indianapolis the flexibility to part ways if the fit doesn’t materialize, while providing an opportunity for Adderley to prove he can still play at a high level.
During his NFL tenure with the Chargers, Adderley showed promise as a versatile defender. He posted 69 tackles in 2020, 99 in 2021, and 62 with two interceptions in 2022, highlighting his ability to contribute and perform in big moments before retiring.
Adderley’s return comes as the Colts seek to strengthen their secondary ahead of the upcoming season. With the deal in place, the team will monitor Adderley’s development and health as he re-enters the league, ready to contribute depth and potential starting-caliber coverage if he returns to form.
The signing marks a notable NFL offseason development, reflecting players’ ongoing willingness to return to the field after time away and teams’ ongoing efforts to address positional needs. Adderley’s path back to the league will be watched closely as Colts executives evaluate his impact and long-term fit.