Steelers Release Veteran RB Jonathan Ward After Brief Stint in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Thursday that they have released veteran running back Jonathan Ward, ending his brief tenure with the team after just one season. Ward, 27, appeared in four regular season games for the Steelers during the 2024 campaign, carrying the ball five times for 22 yards.

Though his time in Pittsburgh was short, Ward brought veteran experience and contributed primarily on special teams — a role he has filled throughout much of his NFL career.

Ward’s release comes as the Steelers continue to reshape their running back depth chart heading into the 2025 season. With Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren entrenched as the top two backs, opportunities for Ward were limited, and Pittsburgh appears ready to explore younger or more versatile options for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart.

An undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan in 2020, Ward began his NFL journey with the Arizona Cardinals. He carved out a role on special teams during his rookie season, appearing in 14 games in 2020.

Over the next two seasons, he remained with the Cardinals, seeing limited action in the backfield but continuing to contribute on kick and punt coverage units. Ward totaled 22 carries for 91 yards in his NFL career, including stints with the Cardinals, Titans, and Steelers.

After being waived by Arizona in 2022, Ward signed with the Tennessee Titans, where he spent the remainder of that season and the entirety of the 2023 campaign. He primarily served as a depth option in Tennessee’s backfield and continued to make most of his impact on special teams. However, a crowded backfield and evolving roster needs led the Titans to release him following the 2023 season.

The Steelers signed Ward ahead of the 2024 season, offering the veteran another chance to prove his value on special teams and as an emergency option at running back. Despite flashes of reliability, his opportunities were limited.

In the four games he played in 2024, Ward totaled 22 rushing yards and was mostly utilized in coverage units. With Pittsburgh now turning to younger talent and prioritizing roster flexibility, Ward became the odd man out.

While it remains unclear what’s next for Ward, his special teams experience and familiarity with multiple schemes could keep him on the radar for teams in need of depth heading into training camps.

Known for his work ethic and team-first mentality, Ward has made a name for himself as a dependable locker room presence even when not heavily featured on offense.

As the Steelers look to fine-tune their roster over the summer, the release of Jonathan Ward marks a move toward youth and versatility, while also opening the door for Ward to seek new opportunities in what has been a resilient and winding professional career.