Jan. 5, 2026, 11:48 a.m. ET
The Indianapolis Colts announced a number of roster moves on Monday.
The team announced that they signed linebacker Austin Ajiake to a one-year contract extension and 16 players to reserve/future contracts.
So, what is a reserve/futures contract?
These reserves/futures deals are given to players who are not on the 53-man roster and prevents those players from negotiating and signing with another team.
Teams can go outside of the organization to sign players who are not currently tied to a team in any capacity, but most often, it will be practice-squad players from the previous season who will be signed to these types of deals.
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With teams that have missed the playoffs now turning their focus to the offseason, these additions in January help build out the 90-man roster for OTAs, minicamp, and training camp.
Colts roster moves: 16 players signed to reserve/future contracts for 2026RB Ulysses Bentley IVCB Wyett EkelerDE Viliami Fehoko Jr.G LaDarius HendersonQB Seth HeniganT Bayron MatosTE Sean McKeonC Jimmy MorrisseyG Bill MurrayDE Durell NchamiS Ben NikkelWR Coleman OwenWR Eli PancolG Josh SillsDT Tim SmithS Trey Washington
Ajiake was set to be an exclusive rights free agent this offseason, but is now under contract for the 2026 season.
Ajiake played 154 defensive snaps over 13 games this season, recording three quarterback pressures, a sack, and 14 total tackles.
He was also one of the Colts’ core special teams contributors, playing 268 snaps across five of the six different phases.