Indianapolis Colts sign Gs LaDarius Henderson

LaDarius Henderson's signing earns a C+ Contract Value Index (CVI), a middling verdict that reflects depth-piece economics in an offseason landscape where the Colts are retooling after a disappointing 8-9 finish. At $885K total on what appears to be a reserve/veteran minimum or short-term pact, the salary floor is low enough that Henderson carries minimal cap risk—this is the kind of deal that fits within standard depth-chart management, not a statement move. The real question isn't whether the Colts overpaid in absolute dollars; it's whether a guard of his career arc and production tier justifies a roster spot in a competitive AFC South environment. Without contract years specified, this reads as a prove-it deal or training camp invitation, meaning the Colts are betting on either a late-career resurgence or depth insurance rather than core contribution. The CVI grade reflects that calculus: the salary is appropriately modest for a potential backup, but the value hinges entirely on whether Henderson can deliver above-replacement-level snaps if called upon. For a franchise sitting at 8-9 and needing efficiency across every dollar spent, this is a low-stakes, low-reward commitment—useful only if execution elsewhere is strong.