Jonathan Ward Works Out for Ravens After Journeyman Stint with Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens are kicking the tires on a familiar AFC North face. On Monday, they brought in veteran running back Jonathan Ward for a workout - a name Steelers fans may recognize from his time in Pittsburgh last season.
Ward, 28, spent much of 2024 bouncing between the Steelers’ practice squad and active roster. Though his time on the field was limited, he made the most of his opportunities, logging 22 rushing yards on five carries - a solid 4.4 yards per attempt - across four games. He also chipped in on special teams, recording a pair of tackles, showcasing the kind of versatility that keeps players in the league.
Pittsburgh released Ward on June 19 after initially signing him to a reserve/future contract earlier in the offseason. Since then, the former Central Michigan standout has been on the move, trying to find the right fit.
He’s had brief stints with the Giants and Patriots in 2025, but both opportunities were short-lived. His most recent release came from New England on November 25.
Ward’s NFL journey has been anything but linear. After going undrafted in 2020, he landed with the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent three seasons carving out a role as a depth back and special teams contributor.
Midway through the 2022 season, the Cardinals released him, and he had a brief stop with the Jets’ practice squad before moving on to Tennessee. With the Titans, he once again played the roster shuffle, floating between the practice squad and active roster from 2022 into 2023.
Now, the Ravens are taking a look - and it makes sense. Baltimore has dealt with its share of backfield injuries in recent seasons, and adding a veteran like Ward could provide insurance down the stretch. He’s not a flashy name, but he’s a reliable, plug-and-play option who knows how to fill a role without disrupting the rhythm of a locker room.
Ward’s college résumé also speaks to his all-around skill set. At Central Michigan, he racked up over 2,500 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground, while adding nearly 1,000 receiving yards and four scores through the air. That dual-threat ability has kept him on NFL radars, even if he’s yet to find a long-term home.
Whether the Ravens ultimately sign Ward or not, his continued presence in workouts across the league is a testament to his persistence - and to the value teams still see in a back who can do a little bit of everything. For now, he remains a free agent, but with playoff races heating up and depth always in demand, don’t be surprised if Ward finds himself on a sideline again soon - maybe even one wearing purple and black.