The Pittsburgh Steelers have hit a rough patch in the 2024 season, as Mike Tomlin’s squad has lost three straight games and lost their first-place lead in the AFC North after suffering a Week 16 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens and a Week 17 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Steelers will finish the regular season versus the Cincinnati Bengals at home on Saturday.
The Steelers’ defense has taken a massive step back over the last few weeks, primarily the secondary. Pittsburgh’s pass coverage was exceeding expectations through the first dozen weeks of the year, but they have allowed a ton of explosive plays in the past couple of games.
General manager Omar Khan should make bolstering the cornerback room a priority this offseason. Joey Porter Jr. is a promising player who has performed well this season, but Donte Jackson isn’t a reliable CB2, and the rest of the position group is lackluster.
Pittsburgh could look to select a cornerback in April’s draft to address the pressing need, but Last Word On Sports’ Jack Aaron lists the Steelers as a potential landing spot for San Francisco 49ers veteran Charvarius Ward.
2024 has been a bumpy ride for the San Francisco 49ers and Charvarius Ward has certainly been a part of it. 2023 saw Ward enjoy his best season yet, as PFF ranked him as the third-best cornerback in the league, only behind Sauce Gardner and Trent McDuffie. In a 2023 season mired by secondary injuries in San Francisco, Ward stood out as the team’s biggest stopgap for opposing receivers. 2024 saw him face a personal tragedy in the loss of his child.
After a six-game hiatus, Ward didn’t look like the same guy, totally understandable with what he had on his mind. His coverage skills were lacking, which is concerning for a guy who’s 29. However, with just one year removed from an elite season, he’s someone who shouldn’t be slept on. Any team with a cornerback need should go after him, though it won’t be cheap.
As Aaron stated, Ward has gone through some personal tragedies this year and has had a rough 2024 campaign. But when the 28-year-old is playing to the best of his abilities, there aren’t many corners in the NFL better. During the 2023 season, Ward was elite, logging over 1,100 snaps and allowing just a 58.3% completion rate and a 63.7 passer rating when targeted.
Additionally, the former Kansas City Chief snagged five interceptions and led the league in passes defended last season with 23. Ward was selected to his first career Pro Bowl and was also a second-team All-Pro selection.
Though Ward will likely demand a sizeable contract in free agency and had a down year in 2024, the former Middle Tennessee State is still a capable starting corner with veteran and championship experience. The Steelers should look to sign the Super Bowl LIV champion in 2025 free agency and hope he returns to his 2023 form when he was one of the best defensive players in football.
MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEWS
Steelers predicted to sign former $128 million quarterback as Russell Wilson’s backup
Steelers star Cam Heyward clarifies postgame comments after Chiefs loss
Four Pittsburgh Steelers make the cut for 2025 Pro Bowl Games roster
