2019 second-round pick Nasir Adderley abruptly retired from the NFL right when he was about to get a pay day in free agency. The safety put together four solid seasons with the LA Chargers that certainly would have earned him a serviceable contract in free agency.
Four years after announcing his surprise retirement, Adderley announced his desire to return to the NFL ahead of the 2026 season. On Tuesday, an NFL team granted Adderley's wish. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts are signing Adderley to what will certainly be a prove-it deal.
Adderley's spot on the Colts is far from guaranteed, as he has to go out and prove that he is still in NFL shape to earn a roster spot. However, the Colts had to have some level of insight on the former Charger, hence why he was signed in the first place.
Colts sign former Chargers safety Nasir Adderley out of retirement
Adderley's previous Chargers connections may have helped him get a gig with the Colts. Head coach Shane Steichen was on the offensive coaching staff during Adderley's first two years in the league. While Steichen didn't directly coach Adderley, there is still a level of familiarity there.
Adderley, still only 28 years old, is looking to replicate what Tony Jefferson has done with the Chargers. Jefferson retired and spent a year in the Baltimore Ravens front office after his former teammates told him he was washed and that he needed to hang it up.
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz, who knew Jefferson from shared time in Baltimore, brought the veteran safety in for a workout after he spent a year away from the game. That tryout led to a training camp spot, which led to a practice squad spot, which eventually led to him being a key member of the secondary.
Fast forward to this offseason and the Chargers essentially had to re-sign Jefferson. He may not be the best player in the secondary, but he is a key role player who makes everyone around him better.
Adderley spent more time out of the game than Jefferson did, which does work against him. However, he has the age advantage that Jefferson did not have. Jefferson was 32 years old with far more miles on his legs than Adderley has to this point. Adderley may have been out of the league longer, but his body is fresher.
Ultimately, Chargers fans have a new storyline to watch during training camp that has nothing to do with the Bolts. As long as it doesn't hurt the Chargers' chances of making the playoffs at all, fans should be rooting for Adderley to succeed in Indy to land a spot back in the NFL.
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