Colts Release S Nasir Adderley

This ends a short stay in Indianapolis for Adderley, who came out of a three-year retirement to sign with the club on April 14. The move briefly reunited the former Charger with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who was on Los Angeles’ staff during Adderley’s first two seasons.

After a standout career at Delaware, Adderley joined the Chargers as a second-round pick (60th overall) in 2019. He played in just four games during an injury-shortened rookie year, but Adderley emerged as a full-time starter in his second season.

From 2020-22, Adderley amassed 44 starts in 46 games and totaled three interceptions. He paired with star safety Derwin James for two of those seasons. After picking off a personal-best two passes and ranking as Pro Football Focus’ 36th-best safety in ’22, Adderley unexpectedly hung up his cleats in lieu of pursuing a contract in free agency.

Now that the Colts have gone in another direction, it is unclear if Adderley will continue his comeback attempt. For the Colts’ part, Adderley’s release should not have much of an effect on their safety depth, as they added third-rounder A.J. Haulcy in the draft. He may start next to Cam Bynum as a rookie and replace Nick Cross, who signed with the Commanders in free agency. Indianapolis also counts Hunter Wohler and free agent pickups Juanyeh Thomas and Jonathan Owens among its safety options.

Bullock, 25, joined the Colts as a waiver claim from the Buccaneers in the first week of January. Despite going undrafted last year, the Nebraska product played in 15 of the Buccaneers’ games as a rookie. Bullock was on the field for just five defensive plays, but he ranked fourth on the Bucs in special teams snap share (56.98%).