Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/B.C. Lions
The Indianapolis Colts are expected to sign B.C. Lions defensive back Robert Carter Jr. to an NFL futures contract to join the team in 2026, per sources.
Carter started all 18 games in 2025, earning the Lions’ team nomination for Most Outstanding Rookie. He recorded 51 defensive tackles, five interceptions, one forced fumble, and a defensive touchdown. Carter also started both of the team’s playoff games, adding a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown in the West Semi-Final.
The five-foot-10, 175-pound cornerback quickly earned a reputation for generating spectacular plays. That included a leaping, one-handed interception against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats that made highlight reels on both sides of the border and is widely regarded as the CFL play of the year.
Prior to signing with the Lions, Carter attended Robert Morris University, where he was a second-team all-conference selection as a senior in 2024. In two seasons with the Colonials, he amassed 66 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, 14 pass breakups, five interceptions, and two blocked kicks, while returning 22 kicks for 588 yards and one touchdown.
The native of Danville, Va., transferred from UVA-Wise, where he produced 74 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 17 pass breakups, seven interceptions and one fumble recovery in two seasons. Carter also returned 31 kickoffs for 660 yards and one touchdown for the Division II program.
Carter worked out for the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts during the NFL window, landing him a deal with Indy. He was under contract with the Lions for 2026, and the team will retain his CFL rights through next season, meaning he will need to return to B.C. should his NFL opportunity end prior to 2027.
The Colts missed the NFL playoffs in 2025, finishing in third place in the AFC South with 9-8 record.