The Indianapolis Colts revamped their secondary by making big moves in the offseason. Indy was able to get its CB1 by signing a former All-Pro cornerback from the NFC West.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the Colts this offseason — one of the team’s biggest deals in the 2025 free agency.
Ward, who last played for the San Francisco 49ers, was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in the 2023-24 season. In that season, Ward had 5 interceptions and 23 pass deflections, while recording 72 combined tackles.
The former 49er regressed slightly last season, playing in 12 games and having 7 PDs. Now with the Colts, Ward is primed to be the primary corner for the team.
CBS Sports’ Joel Corry named Ward as a bounce-back candidate who can return to his All-Pro level.
“The 2024 season was a challenging one for Ward personally and professionally. He played under the most unfortunate circumstances. His 23-month-old daughter, who was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect that required surgery, died last October,” Corry wrote. “Ward took a big step back from 2023 when he earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors for the first time.”
Ward recently admitted that he eventually checked out last season because of his personal tragedy and the lack of interest from the 49ers in giving him the contract extension he desired… The Colts are counting on Ward being more like he was in 2023 when he tied for second in the NFL among cornerbacks with five interceptions, had a league-leading 23 passes defended and the passer rating for opposing quarterbacks was 63.7 when targeting him.
Help In The Secondary
GettyNew Indianapolis Colts DB Camryn Bynum.
The Indianapolis Colts prioritized the secondary group in the 2025 NFL offseason. Outside of signing Charvarius Ward, the Colts also signed safety Camryn Bynum from the Minnesota Vikings.
Indy also drafted cornerback Justin Walley in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft, but the rookie suffered an ACL tear and will miss his rookie season.
To make up for injuries and build up depth in the secondary, the team brought in four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard. The former two-time All-Pro signed a one-year deal to be the team’s CB2 and brings valuable experience to the group.
If Charvarius Ward were to shut down the primary receivers on opposing teams, it would force QBs to rush their next move.
The reinforcement with the defensive backs allows the front 4 to have time to get to opposing quarterbacks and force QBs to make bad throws.
New Defensive Coordinator
GettyIndianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo
The Indianapolis Colts parted ways with former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to make room for Lou Anarumo. The new DC last coached for the Cincinnati Bengals at the same position.
Anarumo praised the Colts $54 million signing during the team’s spring training.
“He’s been a really good player,” Anarumo said of Ward, via Colts Wire. “A really consistent corner in our league for a long time. He can matchup on the best receivers, he’s got length, he guards bigger guys but he’s quick enough to handle short, faster guys, and he’s a good tackler. He’s a full package, for sure.”
Ward describes Anarumos’ playstyle as “aggressive,” which allows him to play to his strengths, believing that the 2025-26 season will be good for the team.
Colts $54 Million Signing Named Bounce Back Candidate