First came Philip Rivers, whom the Indianapolis Colts signed late last season after starting quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon. Instead of trusting backup Riley Leonard, Rivers was brought in, started a few days after coming out of a five-year retirement, and didn't win a game for Indy.
Of course, the fault wasn't really with Rivers. His arm strength was lacking, as was expected for a 44-year-old quarterback. He knew Shane Steichen's offense from their days together with the Los Angeles Chargers, and Rivers could run it well. He just didn't have the physical ability to be a good NFL quarterback anymore.
Now, in the 2026 offseason, Indy has signed a second retired player who has connections to Steichen and the Chargers. Safety Nasir Adderley retired after the 2022 season due to personal issues, and, unlike Rivers, is still young enough to potentially be decent.
Indianapolis Colts sign retired safety Nasir Adderley
Steichen was still working with the Chargers in Adderley's first two seasons with LA after he was drafted in the second round of 2019. While Steichen was the offensive coordinator, he would have been familiar with anyone on the roster, including safety Adderley.
The signing of Nasir Adderley gets complicated, however. Is he in football shape, for instance, after not playing for the past three seasons? The game can get away from one quickly.
Plus, does Chris Ballard, in all of his odd wisdom, think Adderley could be a replacement for Nick Cross, who left in free agency? Adderley was a full-time starter for the Chargers in his last three seasons, and not terrible. He was versatile as he could play both free and strong safety.
He did allow 13 touchdowns, however, and intercepted just three passes. His quarterback rating allowed wasn't great either, at 119.7. In other words, he was a solid tackler who didn't create turnovers and wasn't great in coverage. He probably isn't going to suddenly be better after three years away.
Of course, he isn't likely to be signed to a huge deal, and more of a prove-it one. The team doesn't lose much by bringing him in and giving him a contract.
The problem is more of a global one. NFL fans laughed as the Indianapolis Colts signed the long-retired Philip Rivers, and now the team has done that again with Nasir Adderley. It's not a great look, but maybe the safety can change the narrative and help Indy win a few games.
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