According to PFF, Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward is projected to be the team’s “bounce-back candidate” for the 2025 season. Ward recorded a career-low 58.2 coverage grade in 2024. After the 49ers allowed him to leave in free agency, he signed with the Colts, where he should fit well in Lou Anarumo’s zone-heavy defense.
Ward’s 66.3 zone coverage grade last season was https://www.coltsplayersapparel.com/indianapolis-colts-jt-tuimoloau-jersey more in line with his career norms. During his standout 2023 campaign with the 49ers, he earned an 86.5 coverage grade, ranking 10th among qualified cornerbacks. However, 2024 was an uncharacteristic season for Ward, impacted in part by the tragic loss of his infant daughter in October. That year, he recorded a +56.2 overall grade, along with 54 tackles (38 solo), one forced fumble, and seven passes defensed across 12 starts.
In early free agency, the Colts signed Ward to a valuable 3-year, $60 million deal, expecting him to return to his former All-Pro and Pro Bowl form from 2023. While 2024 was a down year, Ward is only one season removed from his standout campaign in which he was among the best outside cornerbacks in football, earning a +84.7 overall grade and an 86.5 coverage grade.
Ward is a physical tackler and should thrive under https://www.coltsplayersapparel.com/indianapolis-colts-marshall-foerner-jersey defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. His arrival significantly improves the Colts secondary, especially combined with free-agent safety signing Camryn. Ward provides Indianapolis with a true CB1, something the team hasn’t had since Vontae Davis in 2015. He will be crucial in shadowing opposing teams’ top wide receivers and stabilizing the Colts’ defensive backfield.