The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be in the market for a cornerback once the new league year starts, and they could be interested in going back to Kansas City like they did in 2019.
The Steelers signed Steven Nelson away from the Chiefs by giving him the largest free agent contract in team history. A three-year deal worth $25.5 million was the cost, and the Steelers will have to top that this off-season if they'd like to acquire Charvarius Ward. Ward will reportedly demand a contract in the range of $35 million over three seasons.
[incontent2]
One of the top corners hitting the market is Chiefs starter Charvarius Ward. Coincidentally Ward is the corner that replaced Nelson when he headed to Pittsburgh. Ward is coming off his best season as a pro with 67 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 10 pass breakups.
He's young, and has size at 6'1". He is a willing participant in defending the run, and has the ability to make plays on the football.
The Steelers got an up close look at Ward twice this season. During the regular season game, Ward intercepted Ben Roethlisberger, and had a tackle for a loss. In the playoffs he recorded 6 tackles, and a pass breakup.
Pro Football Focus rated Ward as the Chiefs most improved player in 2022.
PFF Grade change from 2020 to 2021: 64.3 → 71.2 (+6.9)Ward was picked on more in 2021 than in any other season of his career — he was targeted on 17.9% of his coverage snaps, the 14th-highest rate among NFL corners. Despite that, Ward held his own and recorded a career-high PFF grade. He generated 0.37 PFF WAR, which ranked 16th among NFL corners and was over seventh-tenths more than his previous career-best.
The Steelers could certainly take a shot at one of the bigger name free agents, like JC Jackson, but Ward seems more likely to be targeted by the team. Especially if the Steelers can find a way to sign Ahkello Witherspoon to pair with Ward on the outside. That will give them the ability to move Cam Sutton back inside. Sutton had a less than impressive first season on the outside. He was better towards the end of the season, mainly the last four games, but he struggled at times on an island. Moving him back inside would help fix the hole that Mike Hilton left last season. Arthur Maulet was good at times as the slot corner, but his play making ability isn't nearly the same as Hilton.
Would yinz like to see Ward as a Steeler? Click to comment below!
#SteelerNation
