The Pittsburgh Steelers, with a Hines Ward roster-bonus deadline fast approaching, have decided not to keep the veteran receiver, the NFL Network has reported, citing unnamed sources.
Ward, who lost his starting job in 2011, was scheduled to make $4 million in the last two years of his contract but has said he was willing to take a pay cut.
"I don't normally like to respond to rumors, but as I've said all along, I want to finish my career with the Pittsburgh Steelers," Ward posted Saturday on his Facebook page, referring to reports of his possible retirement.
I never thought I would see the Pittsburgh Steelers let go of Hines Ward. Whats even worse is that he actually wants to stay with the Steelers, but they still chose to let him go.
Actually the Steelers are still working things out with him. However the problem is he is getting older. I have a feeling he will be around to end with the Steelers but if there is a Free Agent out there that contribute more the Steelers wont hesitate at this time.
This is old news, but the Steelers came out an said La Canfora is full of it. They said they hadn't discussed cutting Ward officially at all, and as of right now, they see him on the 2012 roster. Ward also said he is willing to restructure his contract to come back in the yellow and gold.
I won't even lie, it will be strange to NOT see Hines Ward as a Steeler. People may disagree, but he's more of a team staple than their quarterback. But he is getting there in age and every athlete faces this kind of situation at the backside of their career
I can see why the Steelers would move on. It's not that Ward is a bad player but between Wallace and Brown, Ward is relegated to the slot at best. With Emmanuel Sanders getting healthy again, Ward will be the odd man out. Higher salary and no longer the explosive player he once was.
I could see them keeping him on because he still has good hands and is a great blocker, but only at a pretty reduced salary.
Being a huge Steeler fan for my whole life I really hope to never see Ward in another team's jersey and seeing as both sides seem to be open to restructuring I am hoping we can keep him on our team. He is that veteran reciever who even if he is not out on the field can be teaching the young trio (Brown, Sanders, Wallace) off the field.
