Pittsburgh Steelers Eye Charvarius Ward as 49ers Face Defensive Uncertainty

As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for the upcoming NFL free agency period, a shadow of doubt looms over the future of one of their star defenders. Charvarius Ward, the standout cornerback for the 49ers in 2023, who earned his first Pro Bowl nod and led the league with an impressive 23 passes defended, appears unlikely to continue his tenure in the Bay Area.

Ward faced personal adversity in 2024, grappling with the heartbreaking loss of his one-year-old daughter during the regular season. This tragic event has prompted Ward to express his desire for a fresh start elsewhere. While the 49ers hold out hope for Ward’s well-being, they are also aware of his potential as a game-changing player for another team. Complicating matters further, the 49ers recently committed to a substantial five-year, $92 million contract extension for fellow cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, raising questions about their financial capacity to retain Ward.

In a recent prediction by Sportskeeda’s Adam Hulse, the Pittsburgh Steelers emerge as a likely destination for Ward in the upcoming free-agent market. The Steelers, known for their formidable defense but lacking depth at the cornerback position, are poised to make a move for Ward to bolster their roster this offseason.