The Pittsburgh Steelers have been making many moves all offseason to beef up their offense ahead of a 2024 run. It is being reported now, that the team is adding another running back to their depth chart on Tuesday.
Pittsburgh Steelers Are Signing Veteran Jonathan Ward
The team’s social media account announced earlier on Tuesday that they have signed 26 year old Jonathan Ward to the team ahead of the 2024 OTAs. The team is only bringing him in on a one year deal perhaps to add more depth to the running back room for this year.
Ward has played in four NFL seasons so far in his career, and he came in for the teams rookie minicamp to tryout for the team. In his four years so far in the league, Ward has totaled: 43 games, 17 carries for 69 yards, 6 receptions, 52 yards and 1 touchdown in the receiving game.
Ward has not been able to get on the field all that much so far, and it will probably remain the same this season with the Steelers as they have a few studs on the roster already. Ward got his start in the league when he joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, and then went to the Tennessee Titans for two seasons.
Ward will not join a Pittsburgh offense that is looking for major improvements after a mediocre at best last few seasons. The team brought in both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason, in addition to other offensive pieces as well. They will have new faces at OC and quarterback for the first time in a while.
The team will look to do very well in the run game no matter who is going to be the starter. While Ward has the potential to see the field, especially if he can prove competent in the receiving game, then he may get some snaps. This may also just a be a move for depth, and Ward may only see the field if there are some injuries to other Steelers backs during the season.
The team hired former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith to run the offense, and while he hasn’t shown the most promise, this is still a very welcomed move by the fans after many seasons with Matt Canada. The Steelers continue to win games with Mike Tomlin, but they will need more production if they want to make it back to the playoffs this season.