Steelers Sign Former Titans Running Back to Bolster Depth
The Pittsburgh Steelers added depth to its running back room Tuesday, May 21, signing veteran Jonathan Ward.
The team made the announcement shortly after a report of the signing from KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson.
The 26-year-old signed a one-year deal with the team following a tryout during Steelers rookie minicamp on May 10-11.
The former Arizona Cardinal and Tennessee Titan is entering his fifth season in the NFL.
The Cardinals initially signed Ward as an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan in 2020. He has spent much of his career on practice squads and contributing on special teams.
His offensive contributions were most significant during the 2021 season with the Cardinals. He had 9 carries for 33 yards.
Last season for the Titans, the Kankakee, Illinois native appeared in 7 games. He also rushed 3 times for 11 yards.
Steelers
Impressed at Rookie Mini Camp
The Steelers signed Ward after a standout rookie minicamp.
According to Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now, Ward specifically appeared to impress Steelers running backs coach Eddie Faulkner.
“The older you are, the less time you have in the league,” Ward told All Steelers. “At the same time, it’s just football. Coming out and sharing the gems that I’ve picked up over the years with the younger guys, it’s just a blessing, and that also gives me an advantage too because you get a little bit of a player and a coach in the same aspect.”
Ward Rounds Out Steelers Deep Running Back Room
Like his time with Arizona and Tennessee, Ward will likely continue to contribute most on special teams in Pittsburgh.
He joins a Steelers team with an established running back room in Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and new addition Cordarrelle Patterson.
