The Indianapolis Colts didn't waste much time filling a lot of roles for the 2026 season, just one day after the 2025 season came to a close. None of the moves were major free agent deals, but that shouldn't lessen their importance. The players might have an impact at some point.
The moves made were inking players to reserve/future contracts, except for one, which was extending a player who played quite a bit this past season to a one-year extension. One of the players signed to a reserve/future deal was actually QB2 in Week 18.
That was the recently signed Seth Henigan. He was initially signed to the practice squad, but was elevated for the final game of the year to backup starter Riley Leonard. Leonard, thankfully, stayed healthy throughout the game, and he was quite good, too.
Indianapolis Colts sign 16 players to reserve/future contracts
Henigan went undrafted out of the University of Memphis in 2025, and he was originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was then released in late September and wasn't in the league until the Colts signed him in late December. In other words, he is a project.
But every player on the reserve/future contract list is. That's the entire point of such deals. The Indianapolis Colts want to find out if the players belong on an active roster and can help the team win games. Hopefully, one day they will get a chance to do so, especially if they are helping Indy win games.
Reserve/future contract signings:
- Running back Ulysses Bentley IV
- Cornerback Wyett Ekeler
- Defensive end Viliami Fehoko Jr.
- Guard LaDarius Henderson
- Quarterback Seth Henigan
- Offensive tackle Bayron Matos
- Tight end Sean McKeon
- Center Jimmy Morrissey
- Guard Bill Murray
- Defensive end Durell Nchami
- Safety Ben Nikkel
- Wide receiver Coleman Owen
- Wide receiver Eli Pancol
- Guard Josh Sills
- Defensive tackle Tim Smith
- Safety Trey Washington
That group might have some of the best names of any of the same ilk in the entire NFL. Bentley might simply have one of the best names anywhere. Plus, Bill Murray? How awesome would the actor be on the Colts' roster? (The hope is that the real player is much better at football, though.)
The team also announced that linebacker Austin Ajiake has signed a one-year extension. He appeared on defense in 14 games and saw significant time in four of them. He had three quarterback pressures and nine tackles.