Indianapolis Colts fans, there's a new twist in the Charvarius Ward Sr. saga. The standout cornerback, who was a major acquisition for the Colts last offseason, might not be hanging up his cleats just yet.
Ward inked a hefty three-year, $54 million deal to be the cornerstone of Lou Anarumo's defense. But the season didn't go as planned.
Early turbulence, marked by three concussions and two stints on Injured Reserve, had Ward contemplating retirement. The 30-year-old cited lingering side effects and concerns for his family's future as key reasons for considering stepping away from the game.
Ward made it clear that if he returns in 2026 and suffers another concussion, retirement would be on the table, though whether that would be immediate or post-season remains uncertain.
His status has been a hot topic this offseason, and Colts insider Stephen Holder recently shared an update. Holder noted on X that Ward is genuinely rethinking his retirement plans, though no final decision has been made yet.
Ward's 2025 season was a rollercoaster. After a concussion in Week 1 sidelined him for Week 2, he returned for Weeks 3 through 5.
Then, a freak collision with tight end Drew Ogletree during warmups before Week 6 led to another concussion, sending Ward back to Injured Reserve until Week 12. He played three more games before another concussion ended his season.
Despite missing 10 games, Ward's on-field performance was stellar. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the eighth-best cornerback in 2025, with a grade of 77.1, just ahead of his teammate Sauce Gardner.
In his seven games, Ward recorded 25 tackles, a fumble recovery, and seven pass breakups. He was targeted 37 times, allowing 21 catches with no touchdowns and an opponent passer rating of 81.6.
Whether Ward suits up in 2026 or not, the Colts need a solid plan. They traded for Gardner last year and are expecting rookie Justin Walley back from a torn ACL. Ensuring depth at cornerback is crucial for the Colts' defensive strategy moving forward.