Colts add Pro Bowl cornerback Charvarius Ward
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Colts are making moves on the first unofficial day of NFL free agency.
First, general manager Chris Ballard brought in former Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum. Then he added another piece to the secondary — Pro Bowl cornerback Charvarius Ward.
According to reports, Ward agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $60 million. The Colts added on a $20 million signing bonus to go with it.
Ward spent the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, finishing the 2024 season with 54 tackles after playing in 12 games. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2023 after a career-high five interceptions. Ward also won Super Bowl LIV as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ward missed four games last season after the tragic death of his 1-year-old daughter, Amani Joy, in October. Amani died of heart problems after being born premature and with Down syndrome.
Ward admitted after the season that he hoped to join a different team during free agency, citing playing in California as a constant reminder of his daughter’s death.
“Every time I get on the plane to come back to California, Santa Clara, San Jose and show up here, it just brings back bad memories,” Ward said. “I just want to go somewhere where I’m wanted, where I’m loved. I feel like that’s what I need right now, a lot of love.”
He told San Francisco media that his partner had not been able to live in California after Amani Joy’s passing, so Ward was spending every night alone while in San Francisco. According to KRON, Ward said he’s been dealing with PTSD since the tragedy.
Ward’s addition was a part of Monday’s legal tampering period, which means teams can reach out to available free agents and agree to terms before officially signing a deal when free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
