During the offseason, the Indianapolis Colts signed free agent cornerback Charvarius Ward to a three-year, $60 million deal. Bringing seven years of NFL experience, the hope was that he could be the anchor for a young defensive group. The addition of Ward didn't garner much attention, especially with the spotlight shining on the then-shaky quarterback situation.
Ward brought seven years of NFL experience with him. An undrafted free agent in 2018, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys, who traded him to the Kansas City Chiefs. He played four seasons with the Chiefs, appearing in two Super Bowls and winning one (Super Bowl LIV in 2020).
Ward then played three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he would play in another Super Bowl.
Young Indianapolis Colts are likely already benefiting from Charvarius Ward's presence
Additionally, Ward earned Pro Bowl honors for the 2023 season, breaking up 18 passes and picking off another five. A seasoned veteran with playoff experience is the type of leadership young players need to aid in their development. Mooney, the nickname given to him by his mother and the name he prefers to go by, checked those boxes.
This is the type of experience the young secondary of Mekhi Blackmon, Trey Washington, Johnathan Edwards, and Nick Cross can learn from. Ward is a firm believer in hard work. He studies game film, helps break down opposing offenses to look for tendencies, and gets to know his teammates to learn what makes them tick.
Through Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season, Ward has accounted for 13 total tackles, nine of which are solo tackles, and three passes defended. He missed Week 2 with a concussion. Still, Ward has helped bring calmness to the entire defense, as evidenced by tighter coverage in the secondary and a defense that is playing with more confidence.
This Indianapolis Colts defense has balance with veterans like Ward, Zaire Franklin, and DeForest Buckner helping to guide a young roster. Ward's mentorship could pay dividends in December and January when composure under pressure matters most.
They say defense wins championships, and the signing of Charvarius Ward might be the one that changes everything, just when the Colts needed it most.