Over in Indianapolis, something was cooking behind the scenes between Shane Steichen and the Colts – big moves and even bigger bets. The Indianapolis Colts made a major splash in free agency – a whopping $60 million on a cornerback is no small move, but for a Colts team looking to take that next step, it’s a calculated gamble. Because let’s be real – the Colts desperately needed a serious upgrade. Because last season, we all saw how they ranked among the worst in missed tackles, allowing opponents to run through their defense like a hot knife through butter.
But hey, we must give credit to them this time – as they did play their cards right this offseason by signing veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward (aka ‘Mooney’) to a three-year deal worth up to $60 million. With $35 million guaranteed – including a hefty $20 million signing bonus. The Colts are basically screaming – watch out! We ain’t taking last year’s tackling disaster lightly. Making the news official, the Colts posted a picture of Mooney and captioned it – “Ready to eat”. In the post, a month-old tweet of Mooney was attached, “Whatever team I’m on next year gone get the best version of ME. I’m HUNGRY.”
Well, seems the Colts fans are having a mutual feeling. Because the comments in the post say it all. One user wrote, “I haven’t been this hyped since Buckner.” Another said, “Take care of our guy Colts, great player, and an even better man. He will help you guys a ton!”
And could they be more right? Because honestly – in the 2024 season, Indy had the worst missed tackle percentage – a stat that no defense wants to own. The Colts report on X posted how the Colts had the highest missed tackle rate of all 32 NFL teams last season. But here’s where it gets interesting – guess who has the lowest missed tackle percentage among all players since entering the league in 2018? That’s right – Charvarius Ward, sitting at an elite 5.6%.
The Colts had the highest missed tackle rate of all 32 NFL teams last season. pic.twitter.com/Pi8WethBzI
— John (@colts_report) March 11, 2025
Ward is the definition of reliability, physicality, and playoff experience. With 17 postseason games under his belt (including three Super Bowl starts), the guy knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. Because let’s not forget – in 2023, he earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honours, leading the league with 23 passes defended. Oh, and if anyone knows how to keep it consistent – it’s him. As he had six interceptions over the past three seasons. Just a little bonus for the Colts.
The Colts needed a defensive leader, and they got one. This signing signals that Indy isn’t just here to compete – they’re here to contend. With Ward in the mix, expect the Colts’ defense to be a whole lot tougher to crack in 2025. And with Ward officially heading out to Indianapolis, what’s next for the 49ers?
A massive void in the 49ers: after Charvarius Ward
While Indy is stacking up its defense, the 49ers are left with a glaring hole in their lineup. Losing a Pro Bowl cornerback Charvarius Ward who played a crucial role in their Super Bowl run isn’t just a minor inconvenience – it’s a major freaking-out moment. In his two seasons with the 49ers, he wasn’t just another guy in the secondary; he was the guy.
His lockdown coverage, physicality, and ability to create turnovers made him a cornerstone of Kyle Shanahan’s defense. With 23 passes defended last season – more than any other player in the league – he was a key piece in keeping the Niners competitive against elite quarterbacks.
However, the 49ers lost him to money because last month GM John Lynch sent out a clear message – the Niners are hitting the reset button. And by reset, he meant – the Niners will have a roster that’s “younger and cheaper.” Looks like they are trying not to repeat past mistakes. Last season, the Niners went all in and way ahead of their cap limit – $255.5 million. And still carry the dead money headache of $85 million. So yeah, maybe lessons learned – hopefully.
Now, to prove that point, they signed backup QB Mac Jones for two years for just $7 million – definitely getting cheaper and clearing up cap space. So, where on one hand Colts have got themselves a Pro Bowl corner, the 49ers are struggling to build a younger roster that can meet their expectations.
Now, the question is – will they promote from within? Or go for players in the free agency? Or will the draft be their answer? Either way, the 49ers need a plan, and they need it fast. For Ward, this isn’t about switching teams – well, of course, it is about money. But it’s also about stepping into a new chapter where he can prove he’s worth every penny the Colts just threw at him. So, the expectation is clear: Ward needs to be the game-changer they’re paying him to be. Only time will tell did they made the right call or not.
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