Steelers Tabbed as Best Landing Spot for All-Pro Cornerback
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in desperate need of cornerback help, and Matt Bowen of ESPN believes they can find the solution to the problem in free agency by landing San Francisco 49ers All-Pro cortnerback Charvarius Ward.
“Ward has the man-coverage ability to press or pedal off the ball, along with the backfield vision to make plays in zone coverage. I see him fitting nicely opposite Joey Porter Jr. in a Steelers defensive scheme that played single-high coverage over 50% of the time last season. Over seven pro seasons, Ward has 10 interceptions and 59 pass breakups,” Bowen wrote.
Ward is a talented player, who has registered 435 tackles (321 solo), one sack, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 10 interceptions, 70 passes defensed and one touchdown throughout his seven-year NFL career. However, the 28-year-old is looking for a fresh start elsewhere.
“Whatever team I’m on next year gone get the best version of ME,” Ward wrote on X earlier this month. “I”m HUNGRY.”
Steelers starting cornerback Donte Jackson is among their 24 pending free agents. If they’re not willing to give him a second contract after trading for him last year, Ward could be a great replacement. He would be an ideal pairing with Joey Porter Jr.
Ward signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the 49ers in 2022 and he’s expected to receive a similar deal this offseason. According to Spotrac, Ward is predicted to earn a three-year, $45.86 million contract.
The Steelers will have upwards of $60 million in salary cap space and can still increase that with a few more moves, so they have the money to land Ward.
Ward will likely have several other suitors on the open market, but the Steelers should be among them as they hope to end their eight-year postseason win drought next season.