By Sunday 
It’s that time of year again — the NFL offseason where dreams get made, rosters trimmed, and headlines emerge from every cut. One such headline dropped from Pittsburgh this week, as the Steelers officially released running back Jonathan Ward, the former Arizona Cardinal whose journey through the league has been equal parts grit, hustle, and perseverance.
A Familiar Journey Through NFL Depth Charts
If you’ve followed Jonathan Ward’s path, you know it’s been a grind. After going undrafted out of Central Michigan in 2020, Ward was scooped up by the Arizona Cardinals. Though he didn’t initially make the final 53-man roster, the Cardinals saw enough in him to stash him on the practice squad.
Ward eventually got his shot and made the most of it, appearing in 14 games as a rookie, primarily as a special teams workhorse. He even hauled in a touchdown pass during that 2020 campaign — one of those underrated NFL moments that journeymen live for.
His role grew slightly in 2021, and he continued to be a special teams stalwart, logging significant snap counts. But it wasn’t without setbacks. A hamstring injury in 2022 led to his release from Arizona, sending him to the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad for the remainder of that year and through 2023.
A Shot in Pittsburgh… and the End of the Line?
The Pittsburgh Steelers gave Ward another chance in 2024, bringing him on to bolster their special teams and backfield depth. He played 55% of special teams snaps and saw limited action on offense — ten snaps in total.
Heading into 2025, the Steelers’ backfield was crowded, with veterans like Trey Sermon and Evan Hull in the mix. Ward was competing for what looked like a potential practice squad role, but as OTA dust settled, Pittsburgh opted to move on. The team made no corresponding roster move at the time of the announcement, leaving two open slots on their 90-man roster heading into the deeper offseason grind.
What’s Next for Ward?
Ward, now 27, hits the open market again — and with training camps just weeks away, he’s looking for the next team willing to bet on a hardworking, team-first player with versatile special teams experience.
A reunion with Arizona seems unlikely. The Cardinals’ RB room is already packed with James Conner, Trey Benson, and others fighting for roles. But with teams always looking for reliable, low-maintenance depth guys — especially in special teams roles — don’t be surprised if Ward lands somewhere before the first preseason snap.
In the ever-competitive world of pro football, Jonathan Ward’s journey is far from over. While not a household name, he’s been the kind of player coaches value when it’s time to battle between the margins. Now, it’s just a matter of where he shows up next.