5 free agents that the Steelers must consider signing

2. Charvarius Ward, Cornerback

Another position that the Steelers must address this offseason is the cornerback position. Last offseason they lost both Mike Hilton and Stephen Nelson, and the secondary took a bit of a hit as a result. This offseason they are also set to lose Joe Haden, and Ahkello Witherspoon is also a free agent.

The team should absolutely look into resigning Witherspoon but would be smart to sign another cornerback to pair with him outside, allowing Cameron Sutton to move inside to the slot, where he’s been at his best.

Enter Charvarius Ward, who has been a starter at cornerback the past three seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Steelers had success the last time they poached a free agent cornerback from the Chiefs, Nelson, and could see success if they do it again with Ward. While players such as J.C. Jackson, Stephon Gilmore, and Carlton Davis are all free agents as well, they all will likely be too pricey for Pittsburgh.

Ward on the other hand would likely allow the Steelers to get a starting-caliber corner, while also potentially still being able to resign Witherspoon. Ward is listed at 6’1″ and 195 pounds and is a physical player who is willing to stick his nose in and make tackles. His physicality and willingness to tackle fit what the Steelers like out of a cornerback, and with the team playing more man-coverage in recent years, he could be a tremendous fit.

In his four years thus far in the NFL, Ward has amassed 222 tackles, 29 pass deflections, 4 interceptions, and 43 starts according to Pro Football Reference. Add to this his experience playing in playoff games as a member of the Chiefs, and the fact that he will only be entering his age-26 season, and it is easy to see why he is a player the Steelers should have their eyes on this season.