Salary cap hit, contract details for Colts free agent DT Jerry Tillery

The Indianapolis Colts signed free agent defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, and Over the Cap has those contract details.

Tillery signed a one-year deal worth $1.487 million. Of that total contract value, $1.3 million is in the form of a base salary, with $750,000 guaranteed. Tillery also earned a $187,500 signing bonus.

In total, that's $937,500 in guarantees, and Tillery comes with a 2026 salary cap hit of $1.262 million.

Jerry Tillery's fit with Colts

Over the last four seasons, Tillery has filled more of a rotation role, averaging 452 snaps per year during that span. The bulk of his NFL snaps have come rushing the quarterback. Tillery spent the 2025 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, recording 12 pressures while playing some special teams snaps as well.

The addition of Tillery provides added competition to the defensive tackle rotation behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Perhaps the hope is that Tillery can provide an added pass rush presence, competing with Adetomiwa Adebawore and Colby Wooden, who won't be playing nose tackle with the Colts, for playing time.

Tillery's presence can help elevate the competition up front, which in turn can help raise the level of play.

If the Colts were to release Tillery during roster cutdowns, Indianapolis would incur a dead cap hit of $937,500.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL free agency: Jerry Tillery's 2026 salary cap hit with Colts