The Indianapolis Colts are expected to sign BC Lions cornerback Robert Carter Jr. to a futures contract and join the team in 2026, according to sources.
Carter started all 18 games in 2025, earning the Lions' Most Outstanding Rookie nomination. He recorded 51 defensive tackles, five interceptions, one forced fumble and a defensive touchdown. Carter also started both of the team's playoff games, adding a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown in the Western semifinals.
The five-foot-10, 175-pound cornerback quickly earned a reputation for making spectacular plays. This included one-handed jumping interception against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats this drew attention to the videos on both sides of the border and widely considered the CFL's game of the year..
Prior to signing with the Lions, Carter attended Robert Morris University, where he was a second-team all-conference selection as a senior in 2024. In two seasons with the Colonials, he had 66 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, 14 pass breakups, five interceptions and two blocks, and returned 22 kicks for 588 yards and one touchdown.
The Danville, Virginia native transferred from UVA-Wise, where he had 74 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 17 pass breakups, seven interceptions and one fumble recovery in two seasons. Carter also returned 31 kickoffs for 660 yards and one touchdown for the Division II program.
Carter worked out for the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts during the NFL window, which allowed him to sign with Indy. He was under contract with the Lions through 2026, and the team would retain his CFL rights until next season, meaning he would have to return to British Columbia if his NFL opportunities ended before 2027.
The Colts missed the NFL playoffs in 2025, finishing third in the AFC South with a 9–8 record.
