Indianapolis Colts’ Most Intriguing Free Agent Signing

This offseason, the Indianapolis Colts signed cornerback Charvarius Ward. It was perhaps the team’s best free agent signing.

Ward, of course, wasn’t the only free agent the Colts landed. They also signed guys like quarterback Daniel Jones, safety Camryn Bynum, and running back Khalil Herbert. In addition, they re-signed players like wide receiver Ashton Dulin and offensive lineman Danny Pinter. Still, Charvarius Ward might be the most intriguing signing.

Charvarius Ward is the Indianapolis Colts’ Most Intriguing Free Agent Signing

From Undrafted to an All-Pro

Charvarius Ward went undrafted in 2018. That said, he wasn’t expected to have a successful NFL career. However, he went on to become a star.

The Dallas Cowboys signed Ward as an undrafted free agent. Yet, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs three months later. Ward emerged as a starter in Kansas City and eventually helped Patrick Mahomes and Co. win Super Bowl LIV.

Later on, as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Ward put together a stellar season in 2023. That year, he recorded 72 combined tackles, a league-leading 23 pass deflections, and a team-leading five interceptions. Ward earned second-team All-Pro honors and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. He also helped the 49ers reach Super Bowl LVIII, where they lost to the Chiefs 25-22. He had 54 tackles and seven passes defended in 2024.

Why Ward is a Big Deal

Indy’s secondary struggled last season. The unit ranked 26th in passing yards allowed. They were shredded during an embarrassing Week 17 loss to the New York Giants. New York’s Drew Lock passed for over 300 yards and four touchdowns in that game. Nothing against Lock, but he isn’t exactly an elite quarterback.

With that said, the Colts needed to upgrade their secondary this offseason. Adding Ward will certainly help. He’s a former All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion. He’s one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks and brings a winning attitude to Indy’s locker room. Plus, he could emerge as the Colts’ best cornerback since Vontae Davis in the early-to-mid 2010s.

Ward’s PFF coverage grade was impressive in 2022 and 2023. However, it dropped significantly last season. Ryan Smith of Pro Football Focus wrote about this:

“Ward’s 89.2 PFF overall grade over 2022 and 2023 trailed only Sauce Gardner for the best mark among cornerbacks. He also ranked fifth in 2022 and third in 2023 in PFF advanced coverage grade, on his way to second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. 2024 was a year to forget for Ward, who posted a career-worst 56.2 PFF overall grade and played his fewest snaps (694) since his rookie season after missing time between injury and personal matters.”

As Smith mentioned, 2024 was a year to forget for Ward. But look for him to bounce back in 2025 and reclaim his status as one of the NFL’s best defensive backs. The Colts certainly believe Ward can get back on track. That’s why they handed him a three-year, $60 million contract.

With the likes of Kenny Moore II, Bynum, Nick Cross, and Jaylon Jones, the Colts might have a much-improved secondary in 2025. And Charvarius Ward could be the main reason why.