According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts have signed San Francisco 49ers free agent cornerback Charvarius Wardto a 3-year, $60 million deal (with $35 million guaranteed and a $20 million dollar signing bonus):
Former 49ers CB Charvarius Ward reached agreement on a three-year deal worth up to $60 million including $35 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus with the Indianapolis Colts.
Deal negotiationed by Kevin Conner and Robert Brown of @UniSportsMgmt.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2025
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, the 6’1,” 196 pound cornerback later played for the Kansas City Chiefs (2018-21), where he was a Super Bowl Champion, but clearly elevated his game in San Francisco—when he came a 2nd-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler back in 2023.
Having dealt with personal tragedy this past year, Ward is coming off a down season for the 49ers defense in which he recorded 54 tackles (38 solo) and 7 passes defensed during 12 starts. However, he’s just a year removed from a standout season for the 49ers secondary in which he had a career-high 5 total interceptions.
Per PFF, in 2024, he was their 93rd best grade cornerback with a +56.2 overall grade, but recorded a +82.6 overall grade just a year prior, which was good for 9th best among all players at his position—meaning he’s not far removed from being an elite cornerback:
Much like Samuel Womack III last year, who was claimed off waivers from the 49ers before the season, Ward figures to make a smooth transition to the Colts defense, only this time under new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Ward can be safely penciled in as the Colts’ new CB1 and should benefit from a much needed change of scenery in Indianapolis.
With the big free agency additions of him and safety Camryn Bynum, the Colts have made a surprise splash on Day 1 of free agency—while significantly improving their secondary.
What was once a deficiency entering Monday is now arguably a clear defensive strength.