Former Detroit Lions kicker Michael Badgley is making another return to familiar territory, this time signing once again with the Indianapolis Colts.
The team confirmed the move through its official social media pages, marking Badgley’s third stint with the organization.
The veteran kicker first joined the Colts in 2018 as an undrafted free agent but was released before the regular season. He later rejoined the franchise in 2021, appearing in 12 games that year.
His most recent comeback follows a tough break for the Colts, who lost Spencer Shrader to a season-ending knee injury suffered in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Badgley is no stranger to the Motor City, having spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Lions. He was expected to return for a third consecutive year after re-signing earlier in 2024, but a torn hamstring during the offseason kept him sidelined for the entire campaign.
During his time in Detroit, Badgley proved reliable, converting 24 of 28 field goals and missing just a single extra-point attempt. In his absence, Jake Bates, a standout from the UFL, seized the opportunity, not only earning the starting job but also setting a new single-season scoring record for the franchise — surpassing a mark that had stood for 12 years, previously held by Jason Hanson.
Now healthy and back in action, Badgley will look to make the most of his third opportunity with Indianapolis as he steps back into an NFL role following his recovery.
