What's gonna happen with Hines?
by Steeler Ric on Feb 5, 2009 10:50 AM EST
61 comments
Hey Guys I would like to bring up a topic that hasnt been discussed in quite a while on BTSC. I think that it hasnt come up lately because it's one of those things that as it get closer to fruition,we just cant bear to think about. My question is what are the possibilities of Hines taking a significant paycut to be back with the team in 2010.? I for one dont see the Rooney's overpaying for services of an aging and slowing Hines Ward though I believe he deserves it for all he's done and meant to the organization. I personally can't fathom the thoughts of Hines playing in another uniform and hope he can give us a hometown discount to play out his remaining years in a Steelers uniform. At the age of 34, I know he's winding down, but how much longer do you guys see him playing? Do you think he could handle settling for a lesser role to finish out his career in the "Burgh?" I for one will be sad when 86 hangs them up. He truly epitomizes all that is Steeler Football and is arguably the heart and soul of our football team. What do you guys think?
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I try not to think about it either….it is scary in the way that I can’t imagine him in another uniform.
I think our best bet might be to try to restructure his contract this year and add a modest extension. The Bus did it to help out the team, perhapd Hines would be willing to take a similar stance.
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by drinkyourmilkshake on Feb 5, 2009 11:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think he can have 2-3 million per year for as long as he wants to play. I bet the Rooneys would be ok with that, but Hines would need to dump some of his ego overboard to take that deal, I imagine.
Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.
by BostonWahoo on Feb 5, 2009 11:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. 2-3 million per year is an absolute pipe dream.
Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.
by steelguy99 on Feb 5, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hines
He will play 2009 under the last year of the big contract he signed a few years ago.
After that he will either sign a modest 2 year deal with loads of incentives or he will sign year to year.
He will not sign with another team. First, because other teams are not going to offer large $$$ for his services, they should but they won’t. Second, he wants to be with the Steelers and we want him.
by SteelerMike on Feb 5, 2009 12:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
His worth is more than a player
Hines is also a counselor and coach. If his skills are sharp enough to make crucial catches when needed and he still has the physicality to make great blocks I think that would warrant even signing him for a little above what most would be willing to pay. Granted this would ahve to stay within reason. The added benefit of having him is mentoring the young receivers. They will probably bring at least one more in next year so he may have one more student before he punches out.
"The team that scores the most points wins."
John Madden
(Master of the obvious)
by PixburghArn on Feb 5, 2009 12:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think his salary from this year turns into a SB for a modest extension. We could use a bit more cap space to sign a 2nd tier OL FA or two.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Feb 5, 2009 12:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
3 years? 4? At like 2 mil/yr plus his 5-6 mil salary cum bonus from this year? Is that fair? Would he take that?
Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.
by BostonWahoo on Feb 5, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How about a backloaded 4 year deal: $15M, $6M SB:
SB: $1.5M, $1.5M, $1.5M, $1.5M
Salary: $1.5M, $1.5M, $2M, $4M
Total Cap: $3M, $3M, $3.5M, $5.5M
It would help us with the cap this year, it would guarantee him a good bit of income and to retire as a Steeler, and give us 3 years at a reasonable cost.
charity standing orders
by BadMaafala on Feb 5, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like it. Talk to Omar. Make it happen.
Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.
by BostonWahoo on Feb 5, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If we sign Hines to that deal he’ll be cut in 2 years because he won’t be cost effective by then. Realistically We’re looking at Hines being a slot receiver after 2010, possibly even some time during 2010. You front load the contract he may have a chance of seeing it out. But front loading it is going to make it tough to save money on the cap this year because he’ll still have I believe $2m of the signing bonus from his last contract to get loaded onto his 2009 cap hit too. With the contract above the cap hit for 2009 would be $5m.
by KiwiSteelerFan on Feb 5, 2009 5:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My favorite Steeler of all time, I would definetly sign Hines to a 3 year deal at least, and like SteelerMike said, have it incentive heavy. I couldnt bear to see him on the Ravens, you know they would be quick to pick him up along with Tennessee
If you can't beat the Steelers, join our bandwagon
by 6Pack and going for Lucky Number 7 :) on Feb 5, 2009 1:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
What will happen
He’ll play one more year, the Steelers won’t offer him nearly as much as he feels he deserves, it will become somewhat acrimonious, he’ll sign with another team for twice as much as the Steelers offered, and when his team comes to Heinz Field to play, the fans, in true Pittsburgh fashion, will boo him and call him a traitor.
by worldtrip on Feb 5, 2009 1:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
thanks for that good news. i always appreciate your positive outlook.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
by agentorange on Feb 6, 2009 8:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
Taking a trip around the world is always refreshing and optimistic.
by Chicago Steeler on Feb 6, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He is in the last year of his contract
Fact is, Hines will be a Steeler as long as he wants to be — but look for a new contract this year.
He is in the final year of his deal and is scheduled to make $5 million against the cap. My guess is the Steelers will come to him and give him an extension that spreads his contract out while backloading it with incentives. He will make less this year, but will be able to make it up with milestones, while at the same time freeing up cap money.
Just a guess….
(Worldtrip, I tihnk you’re wrong… I think the Steeler Nation wold never boo Hines. There are still some players that get cheered when they return. It all has to do with how you lose them…)
by MarkJoel66 on Feb 5, 2009 2:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think he’ll actually make less this year. In fact, if they turn his cap hit into a signing bonus, he could get more money this year and ride out a nice 4 year contract that would be good for the team and good for him and his aging body.
Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.
by BostonWahoo on Feb 5, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Mistated… I meant less against the cap.
by MarkJoel66 on Feb 6, 2009 8:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
oh, ingore my comment above then.
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
by agentorange on Feb 6, 2009 8:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Can someone explain to me what the tokens are?
I’m sorry but I don’t know.
To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)
Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.
by HighSchoolSteeler on Feb 5, 2009 3:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I Can't Say for Sure...
But I know when I tried to post a picture the one time, it automatically added that token code, as well. Weird.
by Hines Ward on Feb 5, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Franco played for the Seahawks
The Rooneys are great for the Steelers because their devotion is to the team, not the players. That is Jerry Jones syndrome. Hines will be gone unless they negotiate an extension this offseason which I feel is unlikely.
by CarlWeathersMustache on Feb 5, 2009 5:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Different Time and Different Situation
Franco wanted more money and his talent was diminishing. But, he was closing in on the record and he felt that he was worth more money because of that.
Chuck Noll had no patience for that sort of thing. Also, I think Franco mi-judged his value as a “draw”. By the time the Steelers had 4 Super Bowls, they no longer needed a “draw” to put fans in the seats.
I think Franco greatly misjudged things. But this was before Free Agency was what it is now, and teams were still learning how to cope with all of this.
by MarkJoel66 on Feb 6, 2009 8:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure ...
yet that Hines will need to take a pay cut, leave or retire. That strategic crap is beyond me. However, from an operational standpoint I would love to see him shift to receivers coach of some kind when he is thru playing—coaching for the Steelers of course. From a tactical standpoint, I think he has tremendous value. It may require changing the way he is employed on the field, and then again it may not.
by tenthmtnman on Feb 5, 2009 5:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
sorry, but I
don’t see Hines asking for more money like Harris did. I think that he will be content to play out his career with the Steelers and head on to something else. Of course, no one knows what really is motivating him, but after 11 years of reading his quotes and seeing him speak, my guess is he stays. Of course, I’m looking through rose-colored glasses on this one, since he is my all time favorite player. Who knows? I sure as hell don’t want him to play for anyone else. He has 1000 career receptions on the horizon, he has 801 as of right now. I’d like to see him get that in black-n-gold. I know everyone says he is declining, but the guy has lead the team in receptions since 1999, and led the team in yds for all but two seasons in that time. SB MVP and all time leader in every rec category. I think the Rooneys pay this time.
by steelerark on Feb 5, 2009 6:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
With modern medicine and fitness science
Hines will remain useful and productive in this offense for as long as Ben wants him. Until Ben stops throwing to him, Hines will be here. Period. He’s our definitive posession reciever, and his knowledge of the offense, his work ethic, and his locker-room presense are more valuable to the team than any amount of money could justify.
With today’s fitness techniques, Hines will be competitive well into his late 30’s. He’s never been a blazer, speed-wise. But his hands are like glue and he’s as good a route-runner and blocker as there ever was at WR. In the offense of Big Ben, a guy like Hines who NEVER quits is invaluable. Derrick Mason(of the hated Ravens) is 35, and will be as good next year or better than he was this. And Hines is waaayyyy better than Mason.
The Rooneys will retain him, one way or another, for as long as he wants to play, and probably after his playing days are over(if he wants).
by tobiathan on Feb 5, 2009 7:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
bleed black and gold
Hines said he bleeds black and gold, he isn’t going anywhere… no what they pay him
by tannofsteel84 on Feb 6, 2009 11:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
First of all
Hines will not be the #1 WR in 2009. That is Holmes’ role now.
Second, Hines won’t go elsewhere. He IS Pittsburgh Steelers football. He lives in Pittsburgh, he owns residential and business properties in Pittsburgh, he’s won two Super Bowls with Pittsburgh, and will go into Canton wearing the Black n Gold.
Third, I know this is a business, but Hines doesn’t need the money. I think that’s why he held out before he signed his current contract…because he knew that was his last chance to get big, #1 WR money. He got that money, everything he wanted in the contract, and now, I believe he’s content to stay in Pittsburgh until he hangs ’em up.
He’s all about Pittsburgh, and the Rooney’s love him like a son. Also, he may be the most popular Steeler ever, and you can tell that means something to him. Those tears he was crying after the Super Bowl were not because of the moment, but because of the culmination of a lifetime of hardwork and dedication. He’s poured his heart and soul in Pittsburgh, and that’s where he’s going to stay.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Feb 6, 2009 11:44 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Makes my head explode
Annoys the hell out of me when fans say of a player or coach “he doesn’t need the money”. How do you know what he does or doesn’t need?
Hines has been a great player for the Steelers, and has been well compensated for it. It has been a win-win. He should make whateve decision is best for him and his family, be it retire, re-sign with the Steelers, or take more money to play elsewhere. Maybe he’ll want to move back to Georgia to be close to his mother.
And by the way, nobody goes into the hall of fame as a player of any particular team. This isn’t baseball, in which they have to decide which teams hat to wear.
by worldtrip on Feb 6, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh god no, not the hall of fame debate again. For the love of god, please no.
Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.
by steelguy99 on Feb 6, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
no kidding. I’m not sure why a few people are such a stickler on the semantics of that, but…
Yes, you don’t officially go into the HOF as a player of any one team. But each team lists the players in bold who made their primary contributions to the sport with them. When you go to the site, there is a place for franchises, to see how many each team has placed. They list them primary / secondary. Stop being so picky about how something is worded. Joe Montanna is a HOF 49er quarterback. No one, not even KC, cares that he played for the Chiefs.
by steelerark on Feb 6, 2009 5:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
why would that make your head explode?
i’ll concede that i don’t know what he does/doesn’t need, but, after 10 years in the league, multiple pro bowls, 2 super bowls, etc…i would think that he’s playing more for love of the game than for the paycheck. and i think his holding out before his current contract gives precedence to that. he got his big pay day, the contract that would take care of him from here on out. now he can be comfortable in his situation and just play.
and as far as the hall of fame, i meant he would be retiring as a Steeler, not wearing a fucking uniform on his bust. i don’t believe the Rooney’s will let him walk, they’ll get something done contract-wise to keep him in pittsburgh.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Feb 6, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hines doesn't need the money
That comment annoys me. I often hear it said about athletes, coaches, etc. He/she doesn’t need the money.
You can say “I doubt that Hines needs the money”, or “I have trouble seeing Hines needing the money”, or even “I don’t see why Hines would need the money”. But you can’t say Hines doesn’t need the money. You don’t know what he does or doesn’t need.
My feeling on all this, he’ll probably stay with the Steelers, the ownership will probably make him a fair offer, and he’ll probably finish his career as a Steeler. That being said, I thought the same thing about Rod Woodson.
by worldtrip on Feb 6, 2009 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yes
semantics… You’re way of communicating the point is more accurate.
I don’t believe that Hines needs the money at this point, which I think will help the Steelers re-sign/restructure his contract and keep him in Pittsburgh.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Feb 6, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you should make a list of semantics you don’t approve of so we can all avoid it in the future.
Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.
by steelguy99 on Feb 6, 2009 3:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
1. Using “we” when talking tough on behalf of the team. (We aren’t afraid of that pussy Ray Lewis)
2. Truly thinking that your actions halfway across the country have any effect on what occurs during the game (I lost that game for us because I didn’t sit in the same seat that I sat in when we won the game last week)
3. Deciding what is best for the players and their families based on what is in reality best for you as a fan (He’s not going to go coach in Cleveland for more money than god. He’s a Steeler, damnit!)
That’s all I can think of so far, but I’ll be sure to add to the list as they come to mind. Thanks!!!
by worldtrip on Feb 6, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Phew. You didn’t mention the juju of the towel doesn’t actually affect the game – you could get crucified.
Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.
by steelguy99 on Feb 6, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he also didn’t say anything about firing Bruce Arians and Steely McBeam.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Feb 6, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good one
I do roll my eyes at that, but it is not at the head exploding level. I also roll my eyes when peole talk about “desecrating” the towel.
by worldtrip on Feb 6, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you hear that steelguy99?
get your nails ready!!
by NoCal-SteelCity on Feb 6, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not so Sure
Didn’t he lose a bunch when his partner embezzled money in that resturant?
by MarkJoel66 on Feb 6, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lol Im sure I've tested some of these
Yeah I know I’ve probably tripped off an alarm in your head.
I kinda agree on the money thing.
Problem is, I dont think enough players manage their money wisely. I mean if you just socked 2 million in a bank you’d be fine off interest for a very long time.
But you got guys like Vick who decide hey I wanna start a car rental business or I want a house in every state.
I will say this, if a player DOES need the money, than he was probably a dumbass.
by Mechem on Feb 6, 2009 5:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe a player NEEDS 4,000 houses, ever thought of that? ;)
Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.
by steelguy99 on Feb 6, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
what's funny is that you
got all bent out of shape when a couple of us mentioned that Cowher wouldn’t coach for the Browns. You started saying how no one ‘knows what he needs’ or some such crap. Turns out we were right though, eh? It was leaked out that Cowher said in no uncertain terms that he would never coach an AFC North team.
by steelerark on Feb 6, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
wrong
I sure haven’t heard Cowher would never coach an AFC North team. I did hear he wouldn’t coach anybody this year, no matter who offered the job.
And my reaction at the time was the same as this one, that someone said “he doesn’t need the money”. I make the same argument now as I made then. This is mostly just fan wish speak. Unless he says “I really don’t need that much money and I am not the least bit motivated by money”, then that is just people spouting off bullshit. But it had nothing to do with me saying he would or wouldn’t coach the Browns. Although it did make sense that he might considering his history with the team.
Personally, I’d love to see Cowher coach the Browns. I think it would be cool. I’d love to have the Steelers face him twice a year. It would be a damn sight more interesting than him coaching the Panthers or some other team the Steelers rarely played.
But that is neither here nor there.
by worldtrip on Feb 6, 2009 6:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There are damn few players more loyal than Hines Ward...
…and damn few owners more loyal than the Rooneys.
This is a very, very special case. Both sides will make sure Hines will finish his playing days in a Steeler uniform….and probably be a coach when he retires.
Ward has made Holmes a much, much better player. He’s a motivater, he knows technique, and he’ll be an excellent coach when the time comes.
by Homer J. on Feb 6, 2009 5:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
+2
Agreed. I can’t imagine them not finding a way of getting it done…
by MarkJoel66 on Feb 6, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and btw
it doesn’t matter if it makes your head explode or not. This is a blog that contains peoples OPINIONS that they have a right to state. If they want to state it as fact, guess what? It’s their right. That doesn’t mean its correct, but it’s their right. If someone’s opinion is that Hines doens’t need the money, why the hell do you care? It’s their right to state it however they want. If someone wants to look me in the face and say, I think that you are a dick for marrying interacially", who cares? It’s their right and their opinion. It’s stupid and wrong, but so what? For fuck’s sake, stop caring about stupid shit.
by steelerark on Feb 6, 2009 6:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
As long as you don't marry outside your species, I don't give a damn.....
…but if you show up at the altar with Daisy the Sheep, that’s where I draw the line, pal.
by Homer J. on Feb 6, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey!
What about Midget/tall people marriage. Midgets are sorta another species!!!
JK. I dont swing that low.
Im an opinionated person and I like to let em out because I believe in the principles of free speech.
And the interracial marriage. man is that bs… dont get me started on people hating.
by Mechem on Feb 6, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
because...
Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.
by steelguy99 on Feb 6, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok Ark
So using your argument, it is also my rght to then respond back and say you don’t have any idea whether Hines Ward needs the money. It doesn’t mean it’s right, but it is my opinion and I can say that. Why the hell do you care what I say? For fucks sake, Ark, stop caring about stupid shit.
by worldtrip on Feb 6, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You know who needs the money???
Me. I need the money.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Feb 6, 2009 6:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
sure
However, it was you who came at me about the Cowher post last time and who came at this guy this time. I’m not weary of you stating your opinion, cuz lord knows I don’t care about that. I’m tired of you bitching at people for stating their opinions and nitpicking on semantics. ‘Makes my head explode’. Plz, be more dramatic.
One thing I’ve noticed as this site has gotten bigger. People are being more and more assholey. Yeah, it’s a word.
Oh, and HInes doesn’t need the money.
by steelerark on Feb 6, 2009 9:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that was funny enough
to make me spit raisin bran on myself. heh
by steelerark on Feb 7, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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