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.

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