The Indianapolis Colts are playing a dangerous game with Charvarius Ward. On paper, he's one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the game, and he can create an elite tandem opposite Sauce Gardner.
In reality, Ward has been dealt a tough break with injuries. He's considered retirement, has suffered multiple ailments and concussions, and -- unfortunately -- might be a big hit away from never playing again.
That's why, as harsh as it may sound, the Colts should probably be looking for an out with him. He's still owed nearly $30 million over the next two years, per Spotrac, and that might be a risk the Colts don't want to assume. If that's the case, the Detroit Lions might give them a perfect window of opportunity.
The Indianapolis Colts can sell high on Charvarius Ward
The Lions just released former first-round pick Terrion Arnold due to his involvement in a well-documented legal issue. They were already thin at cornerback, so they might be desperate for help at the position.
Given the limited options available at this point in the offseason, Ward might actually be their best bet. He's a star-caliber player, but given his history of injuries, they can probably get him for a third-round pick.
The Colts would be getting a Day 2 pick for a guy with a history of injuries and a big contract, and while they'd certainly miss him, they signed Cam Taylor-Britt this offseason, and he's already familiar with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his complex system. He's not nearly as good as Ward, but Anarumo clearly trusts him, and he'd be a plug-and-play guy.
Ward is coming off playing in just seven games last season. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) gave him the seventh-highest grade among cornerbacks (77.1) and registered seven pass defenses with an opposing passer rating of 81.6. He can still ball out.
In a normal situation, the Colts would never even consider the possibility of moving on from a guy like Ward. Then again, this team has no margin for error whatsoever after their late-season collapse in 2025.
Losing Sauce Gardner shortly after the trade was a huge blow, and they can't go through the same next season. Ward's trade value might otherwise be non-existent because of all the injuries, but with the Lions desperately needing some help opposite D.J. Reed and Arnold no longer in the picture, this looks like a win-win situation with plenty of risk for all parties involved.
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