The Pittsburgh Steelers have exceeded expectations thus far in 2024, as the team is 8-3 and atop the AFC North through 12 weeks. Pittsburgh suffered a disappointing 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football in Week 12 but will look to bounce back in Week 13 versus the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Though the Steelers have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, the team still has some glaring weaknesses, primarily at cornerback. Outside of Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh lacks consistent production and high-level play at the position. Though Donte Jackson has shown flashes of dominance, the veteran has been extremely inconsistent in his debut campaign with the Steelers.
General manager Omar Khan should look to address Pittsburgh's need for another boundary corner this offseason, and Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine believes San Francisco 49ers' defensive back Charvarius Ward could join the Steelers in the offseason.
Charvarius Ward's contract with the San Francisco 49ers is set to void at the end of the season. He will likely be a pricey free agent, and it only makes sense to sign him to a one- or two-year deal, but he could be the kind of player that puts the Steelers defense over the top.
Pittsburgh is a legitimate contender this season because of an elite defense and an offense that understands how to help that elite defense. Joey Porter Jr. continues to improve, but veteran corner Donte Jackson is a bit of a liability. Ward wouldn't come cheap and they may have to do some cap gymnastics to make it work, but the risk could be worth the reward.
Ward has been one of the most consistent cornerbacks in the NFL over the last few seasons, as the former undrafted free agent had a career year in 2023 and is having another solid campaign in 2024. Ward posted a career-high five interceptions and a league-leading 23 passes defended last season and was selected to the Pro Bowler and earned a second-team All-Pro selection.
Ward doesn't have the flashy interception numbers this year, but the 28-year-old is allowing just a 53% completion rate and an 86.5 passer rating when targeted. The former Middle Tennessee State standout has missed the last three games due to personal reasons.
Though Ward hasn't been elite in 2024, adding the Super Bowl LVI champion would be a savvy move from Omar Khan. Ward is still a reliable player who hasn't sustained many major injuries in his career and would be an excellent fit alongside Joey Porter in the secondary.
Signing Ward shouldn't be problematic for Khan, as the Steelers are set to boast over $57 million in cap space, per Spotrac, and the former Kansas City Chief shouldn't demand an unreasonable deal.
Ward has been an integral piece to the 49ers' defense over the last few years, but San Francisco recently gave fellow cornerback Deommodore Lenoir a $92 million extension, meaning Ward is likely the odd man out in the team's defensive back room.
