According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts have signed San Francisco 49ers free agent cornerback Charvarius Ward to a 3-year, $60 million deal (with $35 million guaranteed and a $20 million dollar signing bonus):
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Initially signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2018, the 6’1,” 196-pound cornerback later joined the Kansas City Chiefs (2018-21), where he became a Super Bowl champion. However, he truly elevated his performance in San Francisco, earning 2nd-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
After facing personal tragedy this past year, Ward experienced a down season with the 49ers’ defense, finishing with 54 tackles (38 solo) and seven passes defensed across 12 starts. Despite this, he is just one year removed from a breakout season in which he notched a career-high five interceptions.
According to PFF, Ward ranked as the 93rd-best cornerback in 2024 with an overall grade of 56.2. However, in the previous season, he earned an impressive 82.6 grade—9th best at his position—demonstrating that he’s still capable of playing at an elite level.
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Similar to Samuel Womack III last year—who was claimed off waivers from the 49ers before the season—Ward is expected to transition seamlessly into the Colts’ defense, this time under the guidance of veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Ward is set to take over as the Colts’ top cornerback (CB1) and should benefit from a much-needed fresh start in Indianapolis.
With the key free-agent signings of Ward and safety Camryn Bynum, the Colts made an unexpected splash on the opening day of free agency, significantly strengthening their secondary.
What was once a major weakness heading into Monday has now become one of the team’s clear defensive strengths.
