The Indianapolis Colts invested more than $142 million during the 2025 NFL Free Agency, with over $110 million allocated to the secondary.
One of the major highlights was inking cornerback Charvarius Ward to a three-year, $54 million contract.
Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman identified the latest Colt as a player who could experience a resurgence this season.
“Ward achieved a career-low coverage grade of 58.2 in 2024.” The 49ers let him go in free agency, and he ended up in Indianapolis, where he is likely to fit well in Lou Anarumo’s zone-focused defense,” Wasserman stated for PFF. “Ward achieved a zone-coverage grade of 66.3 last season, which aligns more closely with his career averages, and in his impressive 2023 season, he received an 86.5 coverage grade, ranking 10th among eligible cornerbacks.”
PFF placed Ward as the 149th cornerback among 222 eligible players last season. Ward participated in 12 games last season with the San Francisco 49ers.
New Colts Defensive Coordinator Regarding Charvarius Ward
Defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, Lou Anarumo
The Colts hired Lou Anarumo as their defensive coordinator after releasing former DC Gus Bradley earlier this year.
In a segment of Film Breakdown, Anarumo commended his latest cornerback for his new position in Indianapolis.
“You have a corner who has consistently performed well over his career.” High. Can truly run. “Anarumo commented on Ward, saying, ‘He possesses length and impressive arm reach.’” “He will provide us with excellent leadership in the [locker] room due to his Super Bowl experience.” Truly, truly thrilled to have him.
“He’s an excellent element.” Ultimately, in this league, players must guard top receivers, and we have an elite corner to handle that. “Who [cannot] just cover, but can also take the ball, will undoubtedly be an excellent tackler too.”
Anarumo used to serve as the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ward Discusses His Choice to Sign with Indianapolis
Charvarius Ward appeared on the Colts Official Podcast and talked about why he felt the Colts were a suitable match for him in his professional journey.
“They were extremely aggressive in their attempts to recruit me… I believe that demonstrated their respect for my skills,” Ward stated on the podcast. “I believe I’ll be a suitable match for them.” “The greater their respect for me, the more effort I put in for them.”
Ward thinks that Lou Anarumo will be an assertive coach who values his approach to the game, allowing him to shadow the top receiver throughout matches.
“You simply need to have confidence in yourself.” “You have to trust in yourself,” said Ward. “I realize I’m among the top corners in the league.” Whenever I set up, I believe I can defeat any receiver in the NFL.
“I constantly practice my skills and aim to keep developing my self-assurance.”