8 cornerbacks Steelers can sign to replace Joe Haden in 2022

Steelers should sign Ward

While Hughes is the high-risk, high-reward type of a corner at this point, Charvarius Ward has taken a more typical path to free agency. Undrafted out of Middle Tennessee State, Ward was a starter by year two for the Chiefs. It wasn’t always pretty for Ward, as his skill set wasn’t always great, but his athleticism was enough early on. Now, he has developed into a decent starter with more room to grow.

Ward has had arguably his most consistent season this year. He has locked down the one outside cornerback role for the team and has been praised for his work there. While some will point to the issues, he had in defending Ja’Marr Chase, most corners struggled in that regard. Meanwhile, Ward still posted a solid quarterback rating of 78.7 when targeted and came away with two interceptions.

At this point, Ward should be paid like a lower-tier starting cornerback, as he has yet to have a dominant season but would be a great starter in the role like Steven Nelson had. While he can hang with a team’s top threat, he is better suited as the second cornerback. The Steelers would be wise to add the ascending cornerback.