Colts pivot from their typical offseason strategy and land their top free agent target to upgrade position of need

Colts land star CB Charvarius Ward in a shocking free agency signing 

All offseason long, I've shared why I thought the Colts' top free agent target on paper seemed pretty clear. That player being Ward. His size, length, and speed fit what the Colts typically prioritize at CB. And though 2024 saw a drop-off, he has some great ball skills on film that the Colts' defense desperately needed to add this offseason. Ward began his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018 and spent his first four years in the league there, which included winning the Super Bowl in 2019.

He moved on in 2022 by signing with the San Francisco 49ers and has started every game he appeared in with the team. He didn't miss a single game in 2022 or 2023 but only played in 12 games this past season. His best year as a pro came in 2023, when he recorded five interceptions and a league-high 23 pass deflections. He immediately becomes the Colts' top corner and is arguably the team's best outside CB since prime Vontae Davis. 

Thoughts on the player the Colts are getting in Ward from a Chiefs beat writer 

Ward needed a change of scenery after a family tragedy struck in 2024 with the San Francisco 49ers. He took some time away from the team to be with his family, which is why his stats won't look all that great. Don't get it twisted, though. He's still a very talented outside cornerback with a penchant for using his size and length to disrupt defenders at the line of scrimmage. If Indy plays press often, they'll thrive lining Ward up on the perimeter. Colts GM Chris Ballard was also still in Kansas City when the team began scouting Ward, so he should be plenty familiar with his game and how it will translate in Indianapolis.