DeForest Buckner said after the season that he wanted to see the Indianapolis Colts be more active in free agency this offseason. Well, GM Chris Ballard very much was, making two splash additions by bringing in safety Cam Bynum and cornerback Charvarius Ward.

“I was excited,” said Buckner recently. “I feel like obviously, Mooney and Bynum they’re both dynamic players, big playmakers. Bringing a lot of energy to the defense, and I think they’re going to help us a lot, obviously, moving forward. And I’m excited to get to play alongside of them.”

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Ward is just one season removed from an All-Pro performance in 2023, which included coming away with five interceptions, 17 pass breakups, and allowing a completion rate of just 54%, according to PFF.

Bynum, meanwhile, also brings terrific ball production to the Colts‘ secondary and can make an impact in the run game as well.

Beyond the individual production that both players bring to the Colts’ defense, Ward and Bynum are each tailor-made fits for Lou Anarumo’s defense.

Ward is comfortable playing press coverage, being on an island, and matching up throughout a game with the opponent’s top wide receiver. Bynum is versatile and can play all over the secondary, which will pair well with Anarumo’s disguise-heavy scheme.

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As Buckner would describe, the Colts’ usage of coverage disguises will benefit the pass rush by throwing different looks at the quarterback, which can lead to him either holding the ball longer or trying to escape the pocket.

The playmaking and coverage abilities that Ward and Bynum add individually to the secondary will help the pass rush out as well.

Going beyond what Ward and Bynum bring schematically to the Colts’ defense, both also have playoff experience, which for Ward includes winning a Super Bowl and appearing in another.

For a Colts team that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2020, there aren’t many players on this team who have been to the playoffs before, and having that experience, both on and off the field, can be quite valuable.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: DeForest Buckner weighs in on Colts signing Charvarius Ward, Cam Bynum