We already knew that Hines Ward's career in Pittsburgh might be coming to an end. He has one year left on his current contract, but is set to make $4 million next season. With his role having been reduced to an injury-filler receiver this past season and guys like Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown being the team's new top threats at receivers, it didn't even feel like Ward was on the team this past season.
We thought that Ward might restructure his contract to stay with the team, something he has said he'd be open to doing. According to Jason LaCanfora of NFL.com, Ward probably won't be brought back in any capacity next year:
NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora told "NFL Total Access" Friday that Ward won’t be back next season, according to his sources. As the Steelers work to restructure contracts and manuever below the salary cap, the circumstances are dictating the twilight of Ward’s 14-year career. On the books, he has one year and $4 million left on his current contract. On the field, Ward also took a backseat to youngsters Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, posting his lowest receiving totals since his rookie season in 1998.
The Steelers have been busy trying to restructure contracts since they were way over the salary cap limit. They still have a few players to go, but it sounds like Ward won't be one of them.
Fans from Behind the Steel Curtain have been discussing this story here.
0 recs | 25 comments
Hard to believe that he has been the essence of our archenemy since the Browns returned to the league. Sure, there have been other (perhaps more) dispicable players to wear that uniform, but the one constant since 1999 has been Hines Ward….
Spidey - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Bumblyjack - February 11, 2012
I’m doing the same, but they’re tears of joy!
Brownsbacker488 - February 11, 2012
Brownie's Year - February 11, 2012
it may be a repost from an inch above, but dammit it’s a repost I’m gonna REC!
Mr. Bad Example - February 12, 2012
I’m trying to get a thread filled with Green Crying Wards.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
Hines Ward can eat me.
Bernie19Kosar - February 11, 2012
Now I know its not going to happen… BUT….
What if the Browns picked him up?
(Not that I want them to either…. Just stirring the pot)
3PON Nemo - February 11, 2012
i hope this happens so we can cut him.
pwndabear - February 11, 2012
Heckert would get a lot of hate mail.
Brownie's Year - February 11, 2012
It would be strange for a person to be the GM of one team, while simultaneously rooting for another team…
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
HenryDawg - February 11, 2012
Now who’s gonna catch passes for three yard losses for them?
Heavysoviet - February 12, 2012 via mobile
This is probably as good a time as any to mention that he’s not a Hall of Fame worthy WR.
If Cris Carter can’t get it, how can anyone make the case for this joker.
Jon @ DBN - February 12, 2012
Lynn Swan.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
But I totally agree.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
but hes a WINNNNUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
Some person will decide that Ward needs to get in before CC and it will be another 5 years.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
And now he’s begging. Its pathetic:
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/2/11/2792239/pittsburgh-steelers-free-agency-2012
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
That smiling jerk can rot on the couch for the rest of his life.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
That’s really too bad. I was looking forward to another season of being able to cover him with a random dude off the street.
Legoman0721 - February 12, 2012 via Android app
Hines Ward played for the Steelers this season? How could anyone tell?
woodsmeister - February 12, 2012
F*ck Pittsburgh
LocalMan - February 12, 2012
you misspelled fuck.
its “fuck pittsburgh”
(/end family thread)
pwndabear - February 13, 2012
Have you seen how far the Squeeler are over the cap? They’ve f’d themselves.
Kaner - February 12, 2012
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