The Niners cornerback has a new destination. And it comes with a lot of dollars.
The Indianapolis Colts are signing San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward, according to several reports.
Ward, 28, was expected to be one of the top cornerbacks on the market and cashes in on a lucrative day for the position, landing a three-year, $60 million deal that includes $35 million guaranteed with a $20 million signing bonus.
The Athletic’s Mike Silver reported that the New Orleans Saints also pushed hard for Ward, but the Colts won out in the bidding.
Ward had a down year in 2024 while dealing with injuries and a personal tragedy, but was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2023, leading the way for the 49ers secondary en route to a Super Bowl appearance.
He wasn’t expected back with the 49ers, acknowledging the reality in his final media session in San Francisco, and now joins a Colts secondary that includes star nickel cornerback Kenny Moore.
Indianapolis added safety Camryn Bynum on a four-year, $60 million deal earlier in the offseason, looking to revamp their secondary under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
They’ve now added another major piece with Ward, who joins former 49ers cornerback Samuel Womack in a young Colts secondary that also includes 2023 second-round JuJu Brents and seventh-round pick Jaylon Jones.
For the 49ers, Ward’s departure leaves the 49ers with Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green as the team’s core cornerbacks. They still likely need to add another starter to the mix, but that could come later in free agency or via the draft for a second straight year.