Mooney Ward didn't want to quit. More specifically, he didn't want to feel as if he was being made to quit. The Indianapolis Colts' cornerback suffered three concussions last season, and he thought about not risking himself to more potentially life-altering injuries.
Instead, as he told the media on Wednesday, Ward said, "I didn't want to finish my career like I finished last season," as well as believing he was still better than the younger cornerbacks on the team. That last part is telling because it conveys the corner's strong drive to succeed.
He doesn't want to return to the team only to be beaten out by a younger player for his starting spot. That isn't going to happen in Indianapolis. He and Sauce Gardner form one of the better CB duos in the NFL when both are healthy.
Mooney Ward addresses his return to the Indianapolis Colts
Last offseason, general manager Chris Ballard signed the veteran cornerback to a three-year deal worth as much as $54 million. Ward's cap hit is nearly $20 million in 2026, and the reason he isn't with the team next year might have nothing to do with injuries.
As Ballard often does, he structured a contract that is extremely back-heavy, almost forcing the team to make financial decisions it doesn't really want to make. This happened with wide receiver Michael Pittman this offseason, when the wideout had a $29 million cap hit. He was either going to be released or traded, and the latter happened as he is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In the case of Ward, his cap hit in 2027 is $24,666,668, according to Over the Cap. The Indianapolis Colts would save $18 million by releasing him. That might not happen, of course, but don't be surprised if it does. Blame Ballard if that happens.
Ironically, the hope is that Chris Ballard still has the job of deciding what to do with Mooney Ward next offseason. That would mean the Colts likely made the playoffs for the first time since 2020. If Indy doesn't make the postseason, Ballard shouldn't be around.
To help the GM keep his job, though, Ward needs to be healthy and good next season. He certainly can do that, and he obviously is ready to return and challenge himself to keep being as good as he was with the San Francisco 49ers for several seasons. A healthy Ward is a must, and if that happens, a good Ward would be assumed.
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