The plot appears to be be thickening between the rumors that the Steelers have or are on the verge of dumping veteran wide out Hines Ward.
Jason LaCanfora of NFL Network stated yesterday that the Steelers have decided to dump Ward, who is the all-time leading Steeler in terms of yards for a WR as well as catches and TD’s.
Today it appears that the story has changed. Somewhat.
The Post-Gazette is reporting that the team hasn’t made any decision to dump Ward, and haven’t talked to him about not coming back.
If the Steelers have decided to release Hines Ward, it is news to Ward — and maybe even the Steelers.
The NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora, who also works for NFL.com, wrote that, according to his sources, “Ward won’t be back.”
A source close to Ward, however, said no one from the Steelers has indicated to him that the team plans to release him. Also, Steelers sources told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that no decision has been made regarding Ward’s future with the team.
Ward, who could not be reached for comment, issued a statement on his Facebook page after the NFL report:
“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. And as I’ve already told the organization, I am willing to work with them to restructure my contract to make sure this happens.”
Ward will turn 36 on March 8th, and despite last season not being a big factor at all in the Steelers pass game, who knows if that will change in 2012 now with a new OC in Todd Haley.
It sounds like no decision has been made, and if the Steelers are smart about it, they will redo his deal, and keep the best WR in team history around for another season.
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Ben Dover
February 12, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Jason LaCanfora has revealed that his sources for this story are a Magic “8” Ball, Tarot Cards, Dione Warwick and a Ouija Board.
Dale G
February 12, 2012 at 2:59 pm
That means he’s gone…. The word got out before the Steelers were ready
Mike
February 12, 2012 at 3:25 pm
I think it’s safe to speak for every Steeler fan when I say I hope the Steeler organization does right by Ward. Yes, he is not the player he once was and we have the future of our WRs in place but it doesn’t t mean that Ward cannot contribute in some capacity. Try and tell me that he still can’t come up with a big catch here and there. Besides, he already agreed to come back at a greatly reduced price. Does anyone remember how Franco was unceremoniously dumped because of money? A Seahawk? His last carry as a Seahawk? Imagine Ward catching a pass with Jacksonville. There are just some players that deserve to be treated with greater respect. Hines Ward is one of them.
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