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.
Source: Steelers Gab
