A Colts interior defensive line group that retains its starters from 2025 and added two new players in the first week of free agency has added another veteran to the mix.
Jerry Tillery, a former first-round pick who has played for four teams since 2022, has signed a one-year deal with Indianapolis, joining fellow former Chiefs interior defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi, who signed a one-year deal to join the Colts last week.
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Tillery comes to Indianapolis following one-year stints in Kansas City (2025) and Minnesota (2024), along with a year-plus in Las Vegas (2022-23) that proceeded the three-plus-year start to his NFL career with the Chargers (2019-22). The sometimes, but rarely consistent, starter who’s spent time as a defensive tackle and edge rusher, has appeared in all 17 regular season games in each of the last three seasons with the Raiders, Vikings and Chiefs – totaling 20 starts in the process.
Here’s what you need to know about Indianapolis’ latest signing to bolster its defensive tackle depth:
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Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) looks on after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) looks on after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) lead blocks for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, against the Arizona Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Charvarius Ward #7 of the Indianapolis Colts on field during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Oct 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs with the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavien Howard (4) and safety Camryn Bynum (0) celebrate after Bynum forces a turn over against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of a game Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) looks to throw downfield against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 17: Grover Stewart #90 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after a fourth down stop during the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 17, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) celebrates Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Tennessee Titans, 38-14.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during warmups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) reacts against the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL Berlin Game at Olympic Stadium on Nov. 9, 2025.
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Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) celebrates with offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) after a touchdown during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) pulls in a catch for a first down Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 23: Laiatu Latu #97 of the Indianapolis Colts intercepts a pass made by Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs (not pictured) in the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) makes a catch Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The play was called back on a penalty.
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 22: Jaylon Jones #40 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts during the first half of the game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass thrown by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Raiders 40-6.
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) reacts after a kickoff return Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez (8) kicks the ball Monday, July 28, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts defensive end JT Tuimoloau (91) sings while warming-up Thursday, July 31, 2025, during Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes (46) snaps Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Matt Goncalves (71) prepares for stretching Thursday, July 24, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Justin Walley (27) stands on the field Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts place kicker Spencer Shrader (3) kicks Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) gets a five from fellow offensive tackle Blake Freeland (73) on Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore brings down Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube.
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Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Indianapolis Colts center Tanor Bortolini (60) lines up against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 02: Jalen Travis #75 of the Indianapolis Colts takes the field during player introductions before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 07: Safety Daniel Scott #32 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 7, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (13) celebrates with Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory (86) after scoring a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 14: Blake Grupe #10 of the Indianapolis Colts kicks a field goal during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 14, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
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Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gould (6) runs against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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Dec 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (85) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (57) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) and guard Josh Sills (66) walk onto the field Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, before a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers during training camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Colby Wooden (96) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Miami Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr. (11) brings down Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (21) during the second half of a game Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Dolphins 33-8.
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Indianapolis Colts guard Dalton Tucker (68) gets a drink of water Thursday, July 24, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Sean McKeon.
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Aug 9, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Giants center Jimmy Morrissey (67) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
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Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) throws downfield against the Houston Texans during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Johnathan Edwards (35) reacts after breaking up a pass Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) wraps up Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (14) on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Durell Nchami (74) hits Green Bay Packers quarterback Taylor Elgersma (19) as he throws during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Aug 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker John Bullock (57) looks on after a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – AUGUST 07: Cornerback Reuben Lowery #30 of the Baltimore Ravens in action during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 7, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Indianapolis Colts safety Trey Washington (41) catches the ball Thursday, July 31, 2025, during Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) catches a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Aug 6, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Washington Commanders safety Ben Nikkel (48) stretches at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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Bayron Matos, from the Dominican Republic, is practicing with the Miami Dolphins as an offensive tackle.
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jack Wilson (76) on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, during the first day of training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts player Tim Smith (93) stretches during training Camp at Grand Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Westfield, Ind.
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Indianapolis Colts running back Ulysses Bentley IV (37) dances after scoring a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Coleman Owen (3) rushes the ball Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
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Aug 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Seth Henigan (19) walks toward the sideline against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Joseph Vaughn (49) works to bring down Cincinnati Bengals running back Quali Conley (40) on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
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Dec 30, 2023; Tucson, AZ, USA; Wyoming Cowboys safety Wyett Ekeler (31) against the Toledo Rockets during the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Tennessee Titans linebacker Arden Key (49) is congratulated after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 11: Defensive end Micheal Clemons #72 of the New York Jets warms up before the NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Alec Pierce #14 of the Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Jerry Tillery stats
Tillery has appeared in 113 games and made 53 starts in his seven seasons. The 28th-overall pick from 2019 has recorded 14.0 career sacks – logging 9.5 of those in his first three seasons in Los Angeles. Last season with the Chiefs, Tillery made 1.5 sacks, 20 tackles, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits while forcing a fumble in 17 appearances and three starts.
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During his two early seasons as a consistent starter – 2020 and 2021, where he logged 26 starts across 32 appearances – Tillery managed 14 QB hits each season and combined for 7.5 sacks.
He lost his starting spot entering 2022 and was waived by Los Angeles midway through that season before signing with the Raiders days later. Despite making 10 starts in 2023 there, he was onto Minnesota in 2024, where he’d again rise to make 11 starts but was unable to stick there last offseason.
Jerry Tillery heigh, weight, age
Tillery is 6-6, 300 pounds. He will turn 30 in October of next season.
Jerry Tillery contract status
Tillery joins the Colts on a one-year deal.
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Colts depth chart at defensive tackle
Though Tillery’s career as a versatile defensive linemen could allow him to slide into different spots, he slotted last season into the Chiefs’ depth chart as a defensive tackle. It’s become an increasingly crowded position over the past two weeks, with the Colts first trading for ex-Packers nose tackle Colby Wooden then adding Nnadi last week on a one-year deal.
The Colts retain their longtime starters in Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner, as well as budding 2023 fourth-round pick Adetomiwa Adebawore, who made seven starts last season in place of an injured Buckner, as well as 2025 sixth-round pick Tim Smith,
Presuming Tillery will attempt to make the Colts’ 53-man roster as an interior lineman, it could put him in a three-way battle with Nnadi and Smith for the final spot on the roster, as long as the team’s starters remain healthy and its two young backups in Wooden and Adebawore remain on upward trajectories.
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What does IndyStar’s Colts insider Nathan Brown think of the move?
There’s no reason to make too much of a team signing a veteran who on paper seems to face an uphill battle to make the roster when you consider they bring 90 players into training camp. Tillery’s experience – both in age, seasons and roster’s he’s been on – will be an asset for a position with three players still in their rookie deals and two others in Stewart and Buckner entering the final year of their contracts while on the other side of 30 years old.
His track record makes clear he’s been able to stick around in the NFL for seven years for a reason, despite struggling to live up to expectations as a first-round pick, but the Colts’ interior defensive linemen corps will be a tough one to crack in the coming months. Making the roster may be about as much as Tillery can hope for in Indianapolis this season.
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Jerry Tillery, a former first-round pick, signs with Colts; what to know