Charvarius Ward Health
Getty
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward only played in seven games in 2025.
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard met with the media on February 24 for his first press conference of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Among the many questions the Colts face this offseason, one relates to theavailability of star cornerback Charvarius Ward. Ward was one of Ballard’s big free-agent swings last offseason. Despite now entering year two of a three-year$54 million contract with the team, retirement has been a hot topic for the 29-year-old.
Regarding CB Charvarius Ward, who revealed last month he was strongly considering retirement after a series of concussions, I heard from him recently and he was legitimately reconsidering that stance. Have not heard a final decision but that remains fluid.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) February 23, 2026
This all stems from the three concussions Ward sustained last year. In an interview withThe Athletic staff writer James Boyd following the end of the regular season, Ward acknowledged retirement as a possibility.
#Colts CB Charvarius Ward Sr.:
“If I do come back and play again, if I get one more (concussion), I’ll for sure probably retire. …”
“The more I beat my brain up, the more it’ll affect me as I get older. … I gotta think about my family and kids, too. So, we’ll see. …” pic.twitter.com/SnJXHDDf4c
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 5, 2026
“I’ve just got to see how I feel this offseason. I know that going into next season, if I do come back and play again, if I get one more, I’ll forsure probably retire,”Ward said.
Ward’s comments are understandable given the long-term health effects of concussions. Ballard did provide a positive update on Ward’s mental state since that initial interview.
“His frame of mind is really good right now,”Ballard said.While he didn’t provide a firm answer on whether Ward will retire, he does believe he will be back with the team. “All indications are that he will play,” Ballard finished with.
This is good news for the Colts, as when Ward was healthy, he was the 12th-best graded cornerback last season according toPro Football Focus. Pairing him with Sauce Gardner, PFF’s 14th-best graded cornerback, was the ultimate goal. The Colts hope to have the duo star alongside each other more than the limited three-game sample size they got last season.
Chris Ballard Expects Other Indianapolis Colts Veteran Players to Return As Well
Michael Pittman Stats
GettyIndianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. recorded 80 catches for 784 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025.
Among other defenders who dealt with injury last season, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was another player who could alsoconsider retirement. Buckner was placed on season-ending injured reserve after he needed neck surgery to repair a herniated disc that was compressing on a nerve. Paul Bretl provided key takeaways from Ballard’s press conference onColts Wire.Among them was a positive update on Buckner’s potential return.
“Ballard won’t put a timeframe on DeForest Buckner’s return, but he thinks he could be back for training camp. Adds that he wouldn’t be surprised if it’s sooner.”
More good news for a key contributor to the Colts’ defense. As for the offense, there has been uncertainty on whether wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will return to the team. While not a free agent, releasing Pittman Jr. would have a$29 million cap hit for 2026. The team could move off him without owing him any additional money. The Colts could then use the added cap space to address contracts for other free agents, including quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce. Despite rumors of Pittman Jr. becoming a cap casualty, Ballard dispelled the thought.
“Any suggestion that he’s not going to be here is a pure hypothetical in my mind.”
Ballard Added Unsurprising Take on Colts Draft Plans for 2026
Chris Ballard sending two first-round picks in a blockbuster midseason trade was surprising for a multitude of reasons. At the top of this list is due to his notorious love for draft capital. Up until last season, Ballard has been very loyal to building a team internally through the draft. Last season, he changed his tune a bit after being very proactive in free agency, signing many big names like Charvarius Ward, safety Cam Bynum, and quarterback Daniel Jones. However, when asked about the Colts’ draft plans for this season, Ballard provided an answer that resembles his initial stance of building a team.
“There’s a good chance that we’ll end up moving back,”Ballard said. “I would anticipate having more (picks) when it’s all said and done.” So, while some would like a more flashy move where the Colts trade back into the first round, the more likely option is that the team attempts to recoup selections in hopes of adding more volume to their draft stock.