Pittsburgh Steelers sign RB Jonathan Ward

The Steelers added some depth to their running back room, signing former Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals RB Jonathan Ward.

Pittsburgh announced the roster move, Tuesday, ahead of the first Phase 3 session of Organized Team Activities.

Ward tried out for the roster spot earlier this month when the Steelers conducted rookie minicamp.

We have signed RB Jonathan Ward to a one-year contract. @BordasLaw

📝: https://t.co/D55aDkUi7I pic.twitter.com/Nazlc28TCO

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 21, 2024

Here’s some information about Ward. He’s a former Central Michigan standout who arrived in the NFL in 2020 as an undrafted free agent signed by the Cardinals. He spent two seasons in Arizona before shifting to the Titans for 2022 and 2023.

Ward has played in 43 career games. he carried the ball 17 times for 69 yards. He also has six catches for 52 yards.

The Steelers now have six running backs on a 90-man roster. The two main backs are Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Harris has eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons. Meanwhile, Warren is a nice complement to Harris. He gained 784 yards a season ago.

Earlier this year, Pittsburgh added running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson. Count on the Steelers using him primarily as a returner. The team also signed former Georgia running back Daijun Edwards as an undrafted free agent. And the roster also includes former Harvard star Aaron Shampklin who spent time with the Cowboys and Colts.

The Steelers begin phase three of OTAs later today. It’ll be the first time to catch quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in their new uniforms. Plus, the rookies also will be working out with the vets. And, it’s the first chance new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will have to work with everyone.

Pittsburgh can do 11-on-11 drills during the OTAs. But there’s no contact allowed.