The Indianapolis Colts today signed free agents tackle Marcellus Johnson, cornerback B.J. Mayes, running back Nate Noel and running back Nay'Quan Wright. The team also released cornerback Tre Herndon, placed running back Salvon Ahmed and cornerback Justin Walley on the Injured Reserve list and waived-injured linebacker Liam Anderson. If Anderson clears waivers, he will revert to the Colts Injured Reserve list.
Johnson, 6-4, 307 pounds, has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings (2024-25) and New York Giants (2024). He originally signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. As a rookie, Johnson spent time on the Vikings and Giants practice squads. Collegiately, he played in 54 career games (20 starts) at Missouri (2023) and Eastern Michigan (2018-22). Johnson earned Academic All-MAC honors three times (2019-21). He is the younger brother of current Colts defensive tackle Eric Johnson II.
Mayes, 6-0, 187 pounds, participated in the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 training camp and offseason program after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2025. Collegiately, he played 43 career games at Texas A&M (2024), UAB (2023) and Incarnate Word (2021-22). Mayes compiled 124 tackles (93 solo), 5.0 tackles for loss, 35 passes defensed, seven interceptions and one fumble recovery. In 2024, he saw action in 11 games (four starts) and totaled 30 tackles (20 solo), nine passes defensed and one fumble recovery. Mayes led the Aggies and ranked fourth in the SEC in interceptions.
Noel, 5-9, 200 pounds, participated in the Miami Dolphins' 2025 offseason program after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2025. Collegiately, he appeared in 55 career games (36 starts) at Missouri (2024) and Appalachian State (2020-23). Noel totaled 704 carries for 3,892 yards (5.5 avg.) and 21 touchdowns. He also compiled 65 receptions for 316 yards (4.9 avg.). Noel was a two-time All-Sun Belt selection (2021 and 2022). He was also a 2024 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient.
Wright, participated in the Colts' 2025 Veteran and Rookie Mini-Camps on a tryout basis. Collegiately, he played in 59 career games (17 starts) at South Florida (2023-24) and Florida (2019-22). Wright compiled 478 carries for 2,060 yards (4.3 avg.) and 21 touchdowns. He also caught 67 passes for 589 yards (8.8 avg.) and one touchdown. Wright was named to the Athletics Honor Roll in the Spring of 2024. He was a two-time SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll selection (2020-21) and earned SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll recognition (2019). His first name is pronounced NAY-kwahn.
Herndon, 5-11, 185 pounds, was signed by Indianapolis as a free agent on July 31, 2025. He has played in 84 career games (34 starts) in his time with the Colts (2025), New Orleans Saints (2024), Giants (2024) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-23). Herndon has recorded 233 tackles (180 solo), 9.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, 32 passes defensed, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 10 special teams stops. He has appeared in two postseason contests and has tallied five solo tackles.
Ahmed, 5-11, 197 pounds, was originally signed to the Indianapolis practice squad on October 16, 2024. He has played in 38 career games (four starts) in his time with the Colts (2024-25), Denver Broncos (2024), Dolphins (2020-24) and San Francisco 49ers (2020). Ahmed has compiled 163 carries for 593 yards (3.6 avg.) and five touchdowns. He has registered 40 receptions for 274 yards (6.9 avg.) and one touchdown. Ahmed has also appeared in one postseason contest and totaled five carries for three yards and three receptions for 45 yards (15.0 avg.).
Walley, 5-10, 190 pounds, was selected by the Colts in the third round (80th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. He appeared in 49 career games (42 starts) at Minnesota (2021-24) and totaled 155 tackles (113 solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, 34 passes defensed, seven interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown).
Anderson, 6-3, 226 pounds, was originally signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2023. He spent time on the team's active roster and practice squad the last two seasons. Anderson appeared in four career games.
