LaCanfora: Hines Ward Won't be Back Next Season

by Chris Pokorny on Feb 11, 2012 8:39 PM EST in Around the AFC North

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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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….

"Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge..." C. Darwin

by Spidey on Feb 11, 2012 8:55 PM EST via mobile reply actions 4 recs

by Bumblyjack on Feb 11, 2012 9:02 PM EST reply actions 7 recs

I’m doing the same, but they’re tears of joy!

Honor. Courage. Commitment.

by Brownsbacker488 on Feb 11, 2012 9:02 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs

by Brownie's Year on Feb 11, 2012 9:21 PM EST reply actions 6 recs

it may be a repost from an inch above, but dammit it’s a repost I’m gonna REC!

by Mr. Bad Example on Feb 12, 2012 4:05 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I’m trying to get a thread filled with Green Crying Wards.

by Brownie's Year on Feb 12, 2012 4:36 AM EST up reply actions

Hines Ward can eat me.

by Bernie19Kosar on Feb 11, 2012 9:32 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

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)

by 3PON Nemo on Feb 11, 2012 9:44 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

i hope this happens so we can cut him.

Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?

by pwndabear on Feb 11, 2012 9:49 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs

Heckert would get a lot of hate mail.

by Brownie's Year on Feb 11, 2012 10:09 PM EST up reply actions

It would be strange for a person to be the GM of one team, while simultaneously rooting for another team…

Resident Tim Couch Apologist.

by Dawg Nuts on Feb 12, 2012 3:08 PM EST up reply actions

by HenryDawg on Feb 11, 2012 11:37 PM EST reply actions 6 recs

Now who’s gonna catch passes for three yard losses for them?

Ohio's premier Russian fan.

by Heavysoviet on Feb 12, 2012 9:45 AM EST via mobile reply actions 4 recs

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.

by Jon @ DBN on Feb 12, 2012 12:03 PM EST reply actions

Lynn Swan.

by HenryDawg on Feb 12, 2012 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

But I totally agree.

by HenryDawg on Feb 12, 2012 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

but hes a WINNNNUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Resident Tim Couch Apologist.

by Dawg Nuts on Feb 12, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions

Some person will decide that Ward needs to get in before CC and it will be another 5 years.

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by bross09 on Feb 12, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions

And now he’s begging. Its pathetic:

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/2/11/2792239/pittsburgh-steelers-free-agency-2012

by HenryDawg on Feb 12, 2012 2:03 PM EST reply actions

That smiling jerk can rot on the couch for the rest of his life.

by Brownie's Year on Feb 12, 2012 4:40 PM EST up reply actions

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.

by Legoman0721 on Feb 12, 2012 3:20 PM EST via Android app reply actions 3 recs

Hines Ward played for the Steelers this season? How could anyone tell?

by woodsmeister on Feb 12, 2012 4:48 PM EST reply actions

F*ck Pittsburgh

"A drug person can learn to cope with things like seeing their dead grandmother crawling up their leg with a knife in her teeth. But no one should be asked to handle this trip." Thompson

by LocalMan on Feb 12, 2012 6:20 PM EST reply actions