Steelers Tabbed As ‘Best Fit’ For These Players Set To Hit Free Agency

The Steelers are viewed as the “best fit” for three players set to hit the open market, including two who spent the 2024 campaign in Pittsburgh.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen on Tuesday released his “best team fits” for the top 50 free agents. Bowen labeled Pittsburgh the best fit for three of the top 50 players: cornerback Charvarius Ward, quarterback Justin Fields and running back Najee Harris.

Here’s what Bowen wrote:

Charvarius Ward, CB
ESPN’s No. 10 free agent
“Ward has the man-coverage ability to press or pedal off the ball, along with the backfield vision to make plays in zone coverage. I see him fitting nicely opposite Joey Porter Jr. in a Steelers defensive scheme that played single-high coverage over 50% of the time last season. Over seven pro seasons, Ward has 10 interceptions and 59 pass breakups.”

Justin Fields, QB
“With his dual-threat ability and improved footwork and vision in the pocket, the Steelers could re-sign Fields over Russell Wilson. In six starts with the Steelers last season, Fields completed 66.3% of his throws with five touchdown passes and one interception. He also rushed for 289 yards and five more scores on 62 carries.”

Najee Harris, RB
ESPN’s No. 50 free agent
“The best fit for Harris — based on his traits and ideal role — is re-signing in Pittsburgh to share touches with Jaylen Warren. A volume grinder, Harris averaged 15.5 carries per game for Pittsburgh in 2024, and he topped the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the fourth straight year.”

Spotrac projected Ward’s market value to be a three-year, $45.9 million deal, an average annual value of $15.3 million. That AAV, similar to the projection for free-agent cornerback D.J. Reed, would rank Ward 13th among cornerbacks.

Of note, the New York Giants were listed as the “best fit” for quarterback Russell Wilson.