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The Indianapolis Colts signing free agent cornerback Charvarius Ward was named one of the "best" early free agency moves.
Ian Valentino of the 33rd Team recently put together his list of the nine best early moves in free agency. Coming in at No. 7 on Valentino's list was the Colts signing Ward.
"Given the Colts' struggles finding a sustained impact corner over the last decade and having some faith that Ward still has plenty left in the tank as he turns 29 in May, this is a great fit," wrote Valentino. "The Colts will be able to be less reliant on zone coverages and have more of a playmaker on the unit while only guaranteeing 1.5 seasons' worth of money."
Ward is joining the Colts on a three-year deal worth $60 million. This includes $35 million guaranteed, although, as Ward put it, he "almost" ended up signing elsewhere.
He is just one season removed from being an All-Pro in 2023. That year, he allowed a completion rate of only 54% and had a whopping five interceptions and 17 pass breakups, according to PFF.
But going beyond Ward's numbers and production, as Valentino notes, he is a very good fit for Lou Anarumo's defense. In this more aggressive system, Ward's ability to be left on an island and play press coverage is going to be quite valuable when it comes to getting the most out of this scheme.
In addition to bringing in Ward, the Colts also provided the safety position with a big boost by signing Cam Bynum. They also further boosted the cornerback depth by bringing in veteran free agent Corey Ballentine.
Very quickly, the Colts secondary, which was a big problem last year, has done a complete 180 with these free-agent additions, along with bringing in Anarumo to be the defensive coordinator.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts free agency: Signing CB Charvarius Ward named a 'best' move
Continue reading...
Ian Valentino of the 33rd Team recently put together his list of the nine best early moves in free agency. Coming in at No. 7 on Valentino's list was the Colts signing Ward.
"Given the Colts' struggles finding a sustained impact corner over the last decade and having some faith that Ward still has plenty left in the tank as he turns 29 in May, this is a great fit," wrote Valentino. "The Colts will be able to be less reliant on zone coverages and have more of a playmaker on the unit while only guaranteeing 1.5 seasons' worth of money."
Ward is joining the Colts on a three-year deal worth $60 million. This includes $35 million guaranteed, although, as Ward put it, he "almost" ended up signing elsewhere.
He is just one season removed from being an All-Pro in 2023. That year, he allowed a completion rate of only 54% and had a whopping five interceptions and 17 pass breakups, according to PFF.
But going beyond Ward's numbers and production, as Valentino notes, he is a very good fit for Lou Anarumo's defense. In this more aggressive system, Ward's ability to be left on an island and play press coverage is going to be quite valuable when it comes to getting the most out of this scheme.
In addition to bringing in Ward, the Colts also provided the safety position with a big boost by signing Cam Bynum. They also further boosted the cornerback depth by bringing in veteran free agent Corey Ballentine.
Very quickly, the Colts secondary, which was a big problem last year, has done a complete 180 with these free-agent additions, along with bringing in Anarumo to be the defensive coordinator.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts free agency: Signing CB Charvarius Ward named a 'best' move
Continue reading...
