Report Suggests Steelers May Release Hines Ward, Despite Ward's Offer To Take Pay Cut
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 5:44 AM EST
in Steelers Rumors
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PrintThe timing of re-emerging speculation about the future of Steelers WR Hines Ward is curious, to say the least.
NFL Network reporter Jason La Canfora recently told the network's "NFL Total Access" show that Ward will not be back in Pittsburgh next season, according to his sources.
Ward won't be back for the $4 million he's currently owed for 2012, that much is true. However, Ward has said that he'd be amenable to a pay cut, and while he'd be "devastated" if he didn't play in Pittsburgh, he still wants to play football.
Amid several Steelers restructuring their contracts to alleviate certain salary cap doom this season, it makes sense to think the Steelers simply haven't gotten to Ward yet. His $4 million salary is certainly out of the team's range, but it would make sense if he were to take a reduction to stay as - at worst - the team's fourth receiver going into mini-camp (based on who else is currently under contract).
Rumors that Ward won't be back at all paints a different picture than just salary, though. A team that currently has four receivers under contract - Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders and Ward - would seem to want to bring more guys in, not get rid of any. If Ward is willing to drop his price (he isn't likely to get much more than the veteran minimum with a new contract anywhere else), then it seems both sides would be getting what they need.
If the Steelers simply don't want Ward back in 2012, then some of the cap room they're trying to create could presumably be used on Jerricho Cotchery - who was scooped up during training camp right before the season and taking Ward's minutes as a flanker on passing downs by the end of the year.
But Cotchery is not the same asset in the running game that Ward is: Ward has been utilized in motion, oftentimes as a lead-blocker on designed running plays. It's possible that new Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley and Head Coach Mike Tomlin no longer wish to use a receiver in this relatively unusual capacity - even though Ward is arguably one of the best blocking receivers in the history of the game - and as such, it would make the rarer assets of Ward's skill-set more expendable.
The team does not exactly have the luxury of time before having to make their decision: there is reportedly a clause in Ward's contract that says the team must guarantee him his job by March 1 (not March 13, the actual start of the league's 2012 year), or release him.
Regardless of what Ward's situation is with fitting/not fitting into our offensive plans, the likely reality is that there is still work out there for a two-time Super Bowl champion and a former Super Bowl MVP. Ward could almost certainly find himself a new jersey if he was determined to keep playing. Whether or not he could realize a level of success and satisfaction is still difficult to project though.
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There is a difference
between restructuring a contract and taking a pay cut !!! Pay cut is pay cut, while restructuring is what Woodley did. He just got his money upfront.
Ward never said that he is willing to take a pay cut he said he’s willing to restructure his contract. I think Steelers offered vet minimum, which Hines declined. It is pure speculation though.
Is there something I wrote that leads you to believe I was talking about Ward restructuring, as opposed to taking a pay cut?
It’s early and I may not be very clear, but I’m trying to convey he’s ok with taking a pay cut. Restructuring isn’t an option.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 6:51 AM EST up reply actions
No. It’s as clear as day. Your title actually summarized your story quite well. I can’t imagine how anyone could get anything other than what you typed out of it.
That said, the words “pay cut” and “restructuring” do appear in the body of your story. So I suppose I can see the confusion.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Well, “restructure” appears because that’s what a few Steelers players have done in the last few days. I was trying to give a possible reason why we haven’t heard any word on Ward’s situation yet, and transition from the players to the front office.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 7:06 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry, but
your title misleads us to believe that Ward is ok for a pay cut. But it is not true. Hines Ward has never said that he is ok with pay cut! He said that he is ok with restructuring his contract.
You are very angry over this
But it doesn’t change his point at all since he believes Ward should take a pay cut. He was dreaming if he believed he was going to restructure.
by Michael Uhlhorn on Feb 11, 2012 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12011/1202701-66-0.stm#ixzz1j9m1JKwr
This is linked in the story I wrote. I feel Bouchette wrote Ward was open to a reduced contract.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 2:27 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
the title of the piece suggests it
anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Feb 11, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
I probably should have called it out better in the copy, I think some people missed what I was referencing.
The point is, Ward and the Steelers are at an impasse.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 2:40 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
and its not the first time
"In football, there are football players and there are footballs. A lot of times in football, a football player will be running with a football, and a lot of times, he carries the football into the end zone. Now, when a football player running with a football takes that football into the end zone, boom! It's a touchdown." - Anthony DeFeo
by chewiesteeler on Feb 11, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
I meant the Bouchette piece
anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Feb 11, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
Crazy that every major sports website
Was reporting that he would “take a pay cut” despite the fact that he directly said he would restructure and never mentioned a cut. If he isn’t willing to take a cut, then the Steelers have no choice but to let him go. He’s not a $4 million WR anymore. I’m not even sure he’s a veteran minimum guy, but I’d give him the benefit of the doubt because of his background.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Feb 11, 2012 8:15 AM EST up reply actions
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12011/1202701-66-0.stm#ixzz1j9m1JKwr
Ed Bouchette clearly paraphrased him, and says he understands he’d have to take a paycut.
I understand the difference between the two (restructuring and having a reduced contract) but if a player agrees to get less, he’s agreeing restructure his contract.
Ward is saying he’ll stay for less because he wants to stay in Pittsburgh. He won’t retire, though. If the Steelers flat-out don’t want him, he’ll go elsewhere.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 2:25 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I mean is it just a matter of semantics?
Because this is straight from the horse’s mouth:
Hines Ward
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. – HINES
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Feb 11, 2012 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
In that case, yeah, I think it is. Maybe he’s saying he wants something like what they gave Smith. That’s not gonna happen. How much is he owed if he’s released before March 1 (assuming that date he mentioned doesn’t mean the start of the league year)?
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 3:01 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I think if he is cut
We still owe him about 600k
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Feb 11, 2012 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
Ok, so if the steelers would owe him 600k upon his release, and he could get a vet minimum deal elsewhere, logically, his basement would be $1.5 million for this year. That’s what he’ll get if he’s released and re-signs elsewhere.
That’s also what the Steelers would have to pay Hines off plus sign a vet minimum. I would think the Steelers would not find $1.5 mil this year acceptable.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
I think that's the sticking point
Restructure and pay-cut. Two different things and I’m confused~ If Hines is willing to restructure his contract then it’s completely different that what Jerome Bettis did to stay with the team and play for Veteran minimum with a significantly reduced role.
Correct??
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
"Oh... you're a northerner. What exactly do they call 'you people' from Pittsburgh?" "They just call us LUCKY."
It depends on details we do not have. You can restructure a contact that results in an extension of your deal but doesn’t provide any new money. You can restructure your contract and get paid less.
The devil is in those details. Ward may be willing to have a year added to his deal, thus lowering the amount of money he’s owed next year.
He may be saying he’ll restructure his deal to pay him the league minimum for a player his age.
As it was pointed out earlier, he didn’t say he’d play for less, one reporter inferred it from him though.
This all could just be politicking and false gestures, but I have a tough time seeing the team not bringing him back at vets minimum, and I have a tough time seeing Ward accepting that without at least playing the market.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 7:33 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
You’re right. The devil is in the unknown details. I just wish LaConforta would have kept his tweet to himself and not opened this can of worms without cold, hard facts. I think I’m going to call him Rob Lowe Part II from now on.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
"Oh... you're a northerner. What exactly do they call 'you people' from Pittsburgh?" "They just call us LUCKY."
I’m not sure it’s him as much as either Ward’s agent or the team.
Both sides use the media to make the other side look bad. Ward wants to protect his legacy, and if he’s gonna be cut, he wants Steelers fans to know, before it happens, he’s doing everything he can to stay (or at least put out the perception “everything he can” is a drastic measure for him).
by Neal Coolong on Feb 12, 2012 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
Bring him back one more year
The man has said hes willing to take a pay cut to play one more year . With that being said , the Steelers are silly not to bring him back with the understanding this will be his final season in Pittsburgh . Hines is still productive enough to be a factor in games provided hes used correctly . He knows hes not going to start and hes not going to catch seven passes a game . So , whats the problem ? Hes the all time reception leader in team history . Hes caught more passes than Swann or Stallworth , both Hall of Famers . Give him the courtesy of going out with the team that drafted him . Hes more than earned it .
It's a slippery slope
Looking at the bigger picture, both Ward and the Steelers would like to him to retire a Steeler.
The problem comes with when, exactly, Ward wants to retire. He obviously feels like he’s still got game, and he’s not going to retire this offseason. The Steelers are going to be on the fence in regards to his ability. While Ward didn’t cite specifics, the amount of money he’s willing to accept to stay in Pittsburgh may be too much – even if it is the league minimum.
The front office needs to weigh whether Ward at the veteran minimum is better than Cotchery in a multi-year deal for a little more than the veteran minimum. Taking both will be difficult, but they aren’t going to go into 2012 without that veteran presence at that position (same as last year).
Ward at vet minimum and a rookie at first year minimum will be less that Cotchery at probably $1.3ish and a rookie. But will the likely production drop from Cotchery to Ward be worth the savings?
Tough questions…I think the Steelers’ intentions lie within their assumed negotiations with Cotchery. If you read they sign him, Ward’s chances of returning drop significantly.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 6:57 AM EST up reply actions
I really agree about Cotchery.
Personally, I would love to see him back ideally for a few years. He’s much more of a big-play guy than Ward, and thats much more the kind of offence that we are likely to see. Certainly all the other receivers are the kind that are always looking to bite off 20+ yards per catch.
Ward is definitely one of the hardest working guys on the pitch in terms of blocking and making clutch plays. If you need someone to make a catch in traffic over the middle or in the endzone, then Ward can do that all day long. Problem is that role is much more of a tightend thing nowerdays, and the steelers TEs are pretty good at it.
Assuming that the new OC is going to rearrange the run-game (which I think is likely given his background) then the chances of the steelers needing a WR to block are pretty low.
I’d love the steelers to find a way to keep Ward, just because of what he’s done for the team, but with his playing time low and the roles he has shined in being over-taken by other positions, I just can’t see it being viable to keep him around IF we keep Cotchery.
Jerry Rice
If the 49’ers could let the Jerry Rice move on, then the Steelers can let Ward move on. With the changes coming on offense, Ward isn’t as valuable to the Steelers, as he was a year ago. It’s time for the Steelers to develop their future stars, and not cling to the past.
by Greig Clawson on Feb 11, 2012 8:41 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed
I’ve always really wanted Ward to retire a Steeler, but I never expected the team to draft 3 WRs in two years who were able to surpass him that quickly either. I think he has a better opportunity to build his HOF resume on a different team at this point, to be honest.
He would still be a Steeler great if this happened.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Feb 11, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Great Points
I concur, and I like Cotchery a lot better than Ward at this point in their respective careers.
I pledge allegiance to the Terrible Towel and the only team in America, and to the franchise for which it stands, one nation under Rooney, indivisible, with the ability to crush you all.
"He was popping off down there the first time they were about to score. So you run your mouth, expect to get something. Everything's between the lines, so he got what he had coming. He was running his mouth and getting in the way of the train, and the train wasn't coming off the track."
-James Harrison on Kyle Orton
I swear if he signed with the Ravens or Pats
I’ll probably hate him forever, or something…
Go to the Saints or Giants if you must leave, Niners would be good too.
by Michael Uhlhorn on Feb 11, 2012 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
I could see Houston giving him a run. Hometown Falcons, perhaps.
I know nothing of those teams’ salary cap situations. Just sayin’ he’d fit in those places.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 5:25 PM EST up reply actions
he's going to be 36
who in the world is going to want a 36 year old receiver who can’t get open
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
by WVPiratesfan on Feb 12, 2012 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
Us?
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Feb 12, 2012 1:05 AM EST up reply actions
No one, if it was true he couldn’t get open. I think he still has value, certainly as a leader and a willing blocker who can still exploit zone coverage with the best of them.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 12, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
+84 Wolfpack
Who saw Wallace, Brown and Sanders coming? Besides Colbert? :)
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Mountainbiking the Continental Divide in 2012 to raise awareness of human trafficking.
by Fifty-Eight on Feb 11, 2012 10:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Well
The minimum for a 10 year vet is 925,000 this year. Antonio Brown was half that last year for reference.
So even if Hines is willing to go to the bare minimum that’s the lowest we can legally pay him. That number just might be too much in an offseason where we started a league worst 25 million over the cap.
I would hate to see him go and I’d like the team to agree to one more year provided it’s his last or something. But tough decisions have to be made sometimes.
I agree with all this
We cant get him for less, and the team is bigger than one player
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 11, 2012 8:10 AM EST up reply actions
Yup
If they keep Ward, I’m sure that we will end up having this exact same conversation next offseason. The only difference will be, that by keeping Ward one more year, that will be one less year that the team spends developing a new WR.
by Greig Clawson on Feb 11, 2012 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
No excuses
If the Steelers don’t offer Hines the veterans minimum salary and go after Cotchery instead, I’d be devastated. Cotchery isn’t much of an upgrade over Ward, if at all. That being the case, if the Steelers don’t give Hines the respect and courtesy that he deserves then we are not the organization that I thought we were. We’re not talking about just any old player here, we’re talking about arguably the greatest Steeler WR to play the game. Give him the respect that he’s earned.
by HELLFIREHILLBILLY on Feb 11, 2012 7:56 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions 1 recs
At this point
Cotchery is a better WR than Ward.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Feb 11, 2012 8:17 AM EST up reply actions
have to agree
"I think the beard will decide when the time is right to come back. It will know when the time is right and all of a sudden appear." -The Deisel
by count'em_six on Feb 11, 2012 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
Unfortunately with a big change
or complete overhaul of the offense Ward is only as good as his physical tools as every reciever will be learning from the same base.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
--Aristotle
by steelerstyle on Feb 11, 2012 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
So we should wait untl he wants to retire to move on?
Guarantee all our vets a roster spot until they hang them up because that is the organization we are. If Hines plays past his usefulness and then leaves the Steelers for a team that will pay him better, he isn’t the receiver I thought he was.
Every kid who played sports understands how hard it is to realize you don’t get to keep playing forever, that eventually too many people are better than you and you don’t get to continue on. Ward is at that point and really should hang them up.
by Michael Uhlhorn on Feb 11, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
Ward has been one of my all time favorite Steelers
and it will be hard to watch him in another uniform(but I will). I do understand to a point about loyalty. IMO this past year was a courtesy year and if all is told he was probably on the cut list last year. They brought him back and was able to achieve several milestones. I understand that he still wants to play and it is hard to give up something you passionately love. Thats how Steeler Nation is feeling and I’m sure the Rooneys feel the same way. We all love #86 but I think it’s time
"you will hardly know who I am or what I mean"-Walt Whitman
by Pittsblitz56 on Feb 11, 2012 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
Tough call
Business is business, yet family is family. Hines bleeds yellow and black. No matter where he is I’ll always be a fan of his.
by Gezarik on Feb 11, 2012 8:11 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
This is the year to let Ward walk
New(ish) offense, new plays, new scheme, means new players. Any time Ward spends taking reps in practice, to learn the offense, is time that one of the young guys isn’t getting reps. Wallace, Brown and Sanders (well, hopefully Sanders), are the future, and need to get the bulk of the coaching during the off season. At this point, I think that keeping Ward hurts the development of the young guys, more than it helps.
If he stays, Ward will be a situational player at best. Even if he’s willing to tear up his contract, and play for the vet minimum, his role in the offense won’t justify the money.
Ward as a Colt?
Seems like it would be the most likely landing spot, if he is let go and still wants to play. At least he could be an asset there, because he can help Andrew Luck, and the other WR’s learn Arians offense.
I'd be very surprised if that happens
Given that Bruce Arians supposedly wanted to get rid of Ward a few years ago (and probably every year since).
by SteelerFanInPatsieLand on Feb 11, 2012 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
My heart says
I want Ward to be a one team guy…one of those rare guys who is able to play his entire career with a single team.
As I look at this situation, I think it is about 50/50 right now. I think the Steelers can afford to pay Ward 1/125th of the cap space if he agrees to it and still put a Championship team on the field.
Say it ain't so!
Watching Hines Ward in another uniform would be like Franco Harris in a Seahawks uni or Rod Woodson play for the 49ers or Ravens.
Wouldn’t be right. One more year. There must be some way to work this out.
The timing is curious indeed … coming, as it does, on the heels of Haley’s arrival.
Kinda like the Patriots cutting Tiquan Underwood on the eve of the Super Bowl — I keed! I keed!!
by Joey Porter's PitBulls on Feb 11, 2012 8:55 AM EST reply actions
Through all talk about McFadden’s release, most didn’t realize the steelers signed wide receiver Juamorris Stewart, who had spent some time with the Arizona Cardinals – while Haley was OC?
I think Ward is gone. I also suspect more of the offense will be rattled. I think the FO is going to go after O linemen in the draft and FA. Gilbert, Pouncey, and Legursky will remain. Maybe foster – everyone else will be gone by the first game of the season(colon, essex, starkes, kemo, and that other guy who couldn’t stop my mother from rushing the passer – scott) Mendy/clay/batch/redman will all be looking over their shoulder, and chances are pretty good Wallace will go to a contender with a decent qb that bids the highest. So, It’ll be Brown, Sanders, (maybe Cotchery), with an unnamed for #4 that is over 6’-2"
I’m guessing, but It’s certainly going to be an interesting camp.
I highly doubt Colon is going anywhere. They just signed him to a new contract before last year. The team is going to want to see if they can get something for that investment, and he was the teams best lineman before he got hurt two years ago.
Every time he comes back for a season ending injury in about half a snap his value goes down well below whatever we oversigned him to. We have a tendency to oversign average linemen.
I would hate to see Hines go...
and I can see both sides of the argument. While Hines has had a great career as a Steeler, when does business overtake emotion. I would love to see Hines finish his career in Pittsburgh. But as has been mentioned above, maybe with a new coordinator and a revised playbook, its time. While his veteran leadership is invaluable, to a point, everybody is going to have to learn the new offense. One of Ben’s concerns was for the young receivers being able to learn quickly. Would Hines be able to help them learn or would he just be taking the reps from them? With all that said, I would love to see Hines retire a Steeler and I could not imagine him smiling in a different color helmet. I am torn between emotion and what would be the best path to take for the team. And I’m a big fan of Smilin’ 86. I am thankful I do not have to make that decision. P.S. Neal-you do a great job, thank you.
Thanks man
Great comment too
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 7:36 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
The Steeler Way
is truly to let the player walk….and rightfully so. This is an “immediate” results-oriented business and the Rooneys must do what they have always done…make prudent decisions that aren’t always popular to the fans.
HOWEVER, when you’re talking about perhaps the most beloved Steeler EVER it certainly means more thought has got to be put into this decision.
Selfishly, I hope Hines is back for one more year!
Do the Steelers keep everyone who wants to be here?
Considering the way the season ended, I think the Steelers need to send a lot of people packing. Cotchery is a better WR than Ward is at this point and it’s not even close. Ward looked like he had nothing left last year. I’d always rather let a player go a year to early than a year too late, like they did with Aaron Smith. The same also with Casey Hampton if he doesn’t take a steep pay cut. Sooner or later, you have to turn the page on a lot of these veterans who just can’t do it anymore.
by datruth4life2.0 on Feb 11, 2012 10:11 AM EST reply actions
Aaron Smith is a great example
He should have been gone this past season for sure, maybe the year before. You can’t just keep everyone no matter how hard that is to accept as fans. I love Hines Ward and I believe he is the best receiver this franchise has ever had. The problem is, you can’t keep someone just because they don’t know when to let go.
by Michael Uhlhorn on Feb 11, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
it even happened to old yeller in the end
"the bengals are not a west of the 104 longitude team."
by palewook on Feb 11, 2012 10:25 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
Oh god….you just referred to Hines Ward as Old Yeller….I just died a little…
by Neal Coolong on Feb 11, 2012 7:11 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
hearty lol
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Feb 11, 2012 9:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hines Ward should retire a Steeller
This is something that they should try to close the deal on. I get the numbers are the numbers. Business is business. The Rooneys need to keep him if no other reason to mentor the WR corp they have . I know they want to keep Cotchery but you will need 5 receives and they already have that. The group they have mixes spread and possession type receivers. I hope he signs with us under a different deal for at least one more year.
Impose your will.
HInes Ward is my all-time favorite, respected and revered player, BUT...
…given all that, I am both confounded by and more than a little disappointed in the numerous members of Steeler Nation who write things such as:
if the Steelers don’t give Hines the respect and courtesy that he deserves then we are not the organization that I thought we were
Just who do you think the Steelers are then? How do you think they’ve won more Lombardi’s than anybody else; how do you think they’ve become tied for most post-season wins, been one of the most successful teams since 1970?
They do it by making the tough decisions. Is Ward to be considered sacrosanct when Franco Harris wasn’t (he was a victim of salary cap/diminishing performance and left to play for Seahawks), or Mike Webster (he was not re-signed and left to play for Chiefs)?
Is Ward to be considered more “untouchable” than Rod Woodson (a victim of salary cap who left to play for Niners, Ravens and Raiders), or Alan Faneca (victim of salary cap who left to play for Jets and Cardinals)?
As beloved Ward is to the vast Steeler Nation, and as much as his departure will cause mourning throughout the Nation, hard decisions must be made by the team, for the good of the team.
The team has proven over the past 42 years that it is capable of making such decisions, which is why it has been as successful as it has been; to decry the decision on Ward as being “…not the organization we thought they were…” is not only disingenuous, but also factually incorrect.
Ward has never held himself above the team; it is not his way. I would hope he would recognize the decision the Steelers make, if it turns out he is let go, and I would hope he would consider the history of similar players, who believe they have more to give, but end up playing only a short time elsewhere, with their performance a mere shadow of what they once were.
Ward should talk to one Charles Edward Greene or, an even better example, Johnny Lee Stallworth. Both of these Hall of Fame Steelers recognized when it was time to go, while still on top, and bask in the glory and admiration Steeler Nation holds for him, untarnished by time, and untainted by the spectacle of an athlete hanging on too long.
My sincere hope, for my own selfish reasons, is for Ward to play forever. However, I would hope, if Ward is let go by the Steelers, he decides to accept this and end his career as a Steeler, at the top of his profession (2011 season notwithstanding).
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
by PaVaSteeler on Feb 11, 2012 10:30 AM EST reply actions 14 recs
wish I could "rec" this 86 times
well said. i love hines as much as the next guy, too.
"In football, there are football players and there are footballs. A lot of times in football, a football player will be running with a football, and a lot of times, he carries the football into the end zone. Now, when a football player running with a football takes that football into the end zone, boom! It's a touchdown." - Anthony DeFeo
by chewiesteeler on Feb 11, 2012 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
You're ignoring the first part of his comment.
He said, “If the Steelers don’t offer Hines the veterans minimum salary…”
That completely changes the nature of his statement. Most of the examples you cite were allowed to leave because they wanted more money than they were worth. There’s no reason to be disappointed in HELLFIREHILLBILLY, who makes a very reasonable comment.
If the Steelers dont offer Hines the veteran’s minimum salary, I would be incredibly pissed off as well. He’s worth that much just to serve as an example to our young receivers, who seem to have some of the dreaded diva potential within them, and to teach them how to take the head off of an opposing line-backer.
Now, if he is only willing to restructure and not willing to take the pay cut, then I’m onboard with making the tough decision to let him go.
I'm not ignoring any part of what was written...
…I took into account the scenario that the Steelers offered Ward the vet minimum, and Ward decided he was worth more than that; just like Harris, Webster and Faneca. It IS the same scenario.
You also have to take into account, how such an offer may be perceived by the receiver, and the possible reluctance of the Steelers to make such an offer, knowing Ward is a proud, accomplished athlete, and may take such an offer, albeit made for all the right practical reasons, as demeaning (may be too strong a word, but you get my drift).
United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.
You hit the nail on the head PaVa
but my heart is screaming “1 more year.” I really, really hope no matter what happens, that Hines retires a Steeler. Whether that be this year, or next.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
"Oh... you're a northerner. What exactly do they call 'you people' from Pittsburgh?" "They just call us LUCKY."
Great
I am agree. And you gets a rec.
The problem isn’t the Steelers organization. It’s the players. Players who can’t quite get over the fact that their career is pretty much over. Players who want more money before they finish.
Hines isn’t the latter but he may be the first and that’s the real problem. He got some major career milestones last year, he has the record in basically everything Steeler related, now it’s time to hang up the cleats and live forever on your millions of dollars. There’s no sense in tarnishing a great career with a lackluster season in another place, or even here.
My thoughts if true
First, if this true, I fully expect the Steelers to release him straight out, rather than stringing it along or trying to trade him. In the past, they have released players early to give them the most time to find a new team and also so that the player released is allowed to choose which team they want to go to.
Second, like I mentioned above, while I have always wanted Hines to finish his career as a Steeler, I think there are other teams where he could contribute more than he is able to on the Steelers at this point. A couple more moderately productive years, and he will be top 15 in all receiving categories.
Third, I have to agree with those who say that the FO is looking at what is best for the team right now, and they are ready to make the tough decisions to do what’s needed to get the Steelers back to the SB.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Feb 11, 2012 10:53 AM EST reply actions
tired of hearing about respect
the Steelers have been the most respectful franchise EVER. we never sign free agents, we keep OUR guys and build through the draft….well that method was great but its also got us OLD. There is no reason to keep Hines for next year, he’s the 4th WR and doesnt play special teams, he’s not the Hines Ward of old, he’s not even half the player he once was. As sad as it will be seeing Hines go, he needs to join Hampton, Aaron Smith, James Farrior, Casey Hampton and go away. Out with the old, in with the new. We’re not going to get trophy #7 with all these old men wasting roster space
Part of me misses the lockout. Its all BS soap opera drama until August. I know the draft, minicamp, and OTAs
matter to the diehards, but the offseason stuff is mostly fluff
by chicos_pants on Feb 11, 2012 10:58 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Would be a shame to see Hines in another uniform.
This guy is the greatest Steeler of the past decade and the heart of the team’s veteran core. I think those who say Ward has lost the ability to contribute are wrong. The offensive strategy preferred by BA is responsible for lessening Ward’s role and phasing him out over the past couple of years—nothing more. Ward has never been a speedy receiver but he can still get it done. It’s strictly a matter of giving him an appropriate role in the offense. Like a lot of other players on this offense, Ward has been under-utilized.
by Billy52 on Feb 11, 2012 11:04 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Ward and the running game
If ward is let go , then I will be amazed and surprised if the Steelers try to go back to the running game attack. There is not a better blocking wide out than Hines Ward , so if he isnt there then i am thinking someone on the staff isnt concerned with the run , only the passing game. KEEP WARD PLEASE
we should draft a NT/RB hybrid in the first round
lol
"I think the beard will decide when the time is right to come back. It will know when the time is right and all of a sudden appear." -The Deisel
by count'em_six on Feb 11, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
Redman > Suckenhall
Mendenhall: Spin, spin, spin, down on first contact. Rinse/repeat 10 times until he breaks one for 20 yards. Spin, spin, spin, down on first contact again. Ugh.
by Nate36bus on Feb 11, 2012 5:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
There is nothing about what you are saying that is remotely true
by worldtrip on Feb 12, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
that isn't quite correct
When I read what he wrote, I thought “Ugh” so he got one part right.
anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Feb 12, 2012 7:13 PM EST up reply actions
Gold!
I pledge allegiance to the Terrible Towel and the only team in America, and to the franchise for which it stands, one nation under Rooney, indivisible, with the ability to crush you all.
"He was popping off down there the first time they were about to score. So you run your mouth, expect to get something. Everything's between the lines, so he got what he had coming. He was running his mouth and getting in the way of the train, and the train wasn't coming off the track."
-James Harrison on Kyle Orton
by TVsCHACHI on Feb 11, 2012 6:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You don't keep receivers because they can block
because then you have in esscene a small TE that can’t take on DE and bigger 3-4 OLB.
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
by WVPiratesfan on Feb 12, 2012 12:06 AM EST up reply actions
Well Hines, if we have seen the last of you in a Steelers uniform
let me be the first man to wish you luck on the rest of your career (NFL, coaching, etc.). You are one of the all time great Steelers and are one of the reason’s why I love the Steelers. I will always remember you breaking Keith Rivers jaw and absolutely destroying Ed Reed. I will always remember your TD in the Super Bowl vs. the Sea Chickens. I will always remember you accepting that Super Bowl MVP trophy and having the biggest smile on your face. I will always remember your mentoring of Wallace, Holmes, Burress, Brown, and Sanders and what you did for this organization. Whether or not you go onto play for someone else, you are and always will be a Steelers in its purest form. Can’t wait to see you inducted into Canton.
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Follow @steelersrule124
by seton hall and steelers on Feb 11, 2012 12:46 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
There is nothing about Hines' career as a Steeler
that hasn’t said “Excellence”. I couldn’t be more proud of a single player than I am of Hines. We are very, very lucky to have seen so many years, with so much heart shown for the City, the team and for the fans… Hines sweats black and gold and I appreciate every single moment he has given us.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
"Oh... you're a northerner. What exactly do they call 'you people' from Pittsburgh?" "They just call us LUCKY."
by 1BlkGldFan on Feb 11, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This is sad
Hines is a great reciever and the way he plays the game is such an amazing thing to watch in todays era of greedy diva recievers. I would very much prefer to see him retire a Steeler. I think he still would be worth keeping around for the vetran minimum, his leadership alone is worth that. If they cannot reach a deal I hope Ward will retire and not play for anybody else. Unfortunatly I have to admit the thought of him playing for another franchise makes me sick, though such events are simply how things work in the NFL.
I hope we keep the man
He didn’t so much decline last year as he did lose out on playing time. He’s got some gas left in the tank still
That said, if he is released how great of a story would it be to see both Hines and Peyton Manning get cut and end up on the same team and make a deep playoff run??
by ZacP on Feb 11, 2012 1:12 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Hmm
I don’t understand why we didn’t see him much last year. There was a few games I rarely saw him at all. I really do wonder what the issue was… Ariana? Concussion? Lesser of the 5 available receivers? I just don’t know. If he is who he’s been in the past, I keep him over Cotchery, but I have no idea who he is after this mystery year. At least with Cotchery we know who he is based on last year.
by Nate36bus on Feb 11, 2012 5:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Valid point
Last year he started off well. And he was TOTALLY ignored in the RZ this year which was stupid. He’s best in the RZ and I couldn’t understand why he was off the field half the time. Instead you had 17 dropping TDs and god awful bubble screens to anyone who was around.
Hines was a RZ master and he should have been used more last year.
Hines
One of the all time great Steelers…I love the guy.
i do think he can still contribute. If he is willing to take a pay cut, I think the FO should do everything they can to keep both Ward and Jericho. His leadership and experience are invaluable.
Quality depth is so important b/c injuries are so prevelent. If Jericho sustains a serious injury, that would leave us with the 3 “young guns” and some other straglers at that point. That would be a concern.
by SteelerMike on Feb 11, 2012 3:35 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
You never have enough depth before training camp.....
….remember how the Steelers were down to their number four QB two years ago. And because they had the depth, they went 3-1 till Ben got back.
Who is to say we won’t have a spate of injuries to the wideouts? And who is to say the OL won’t have another bad year, meaning Hines will be needed for additional QB protection and help in the running game. He’s so much more than just a pass receiver.
If Hines is willing to take the vets’ minimum, we would be wise to keep him. He is absolute gold in every way.
I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson
by Homer J. on Feb 11, 2012 4:17 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Steelers definitely
offered Hines a vet minimum of 900k. If they cut him he still will be owed 600k. So, 300k is no big deal for the organization and they definitely offered Hines a vet minimum.
But with this La Canfora news leakage, seems like Hines’s agent is playing some bad game here. This whole crap makes Steelers look bad, but in truth it is in my opinion Hines’s or his agent’s unwillingness to take a vet minimum should be blamed here.
The Great Jerome Bettis was glad to accept a vet minimum and play for several years just to retire a Steeler. Dear Hines, please reconsider and take Bettis’s advice.
by Bonek on Feb 11, 2012 4:47 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
THIS!!!
If he’s not willing to take vet minimum; then my heart breaks a little less if he leaves. Now the ball is in Hines’ court and NOT the Steelers. Do it Hines…. ala Bettis.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
"Oh... you're a northerner. What exactly do they call 'you people' from Pittsburgh?" "They just call us LUCKY."
I've read most of the comments here, and I think it's 70/30 Ward stays
Here’s why:
#1. If the vet minimum is $925,000 and that’s what he agrees to play for, then that’s only $300,000 more and change than if we cut him…that’s a rookie salary. It’s not a positive trade-off.
#2. Wallace, Sanders, and Brown are then the veteran WR’s in the locker room. Look, these guys aren’t there yet. They’re very good, but they still have a lot to learn. Which brings me to #3…
#. Todd Haley likes having a hard-working, positive role-model type veteran in his receiving corps. In Kansas City, he brought Amani Toomer to camp and kept Bobby Engram on the roster in 2009 for half the season. He brought Jerhame Urban in 2010, who didn’t usually even dress for games, but he was a smart, hard-working veteran presence. Haley likes to have that guy around to teach the young receivers how to play, and who else is better to do that than Hines?
Now, my counter-point to #3 is that Hines might not buy into being a mentor for Todd Haley. Truth be told, I don’t like Hines; for as sweet and nice as he comes across on TV, I’ve heard a lot of personal stories about him that make me have the opposite opinion of him. He might not fit in with the new tone of the offense.
Either way, it’s going to be interesting. If he stays, it’ll be a positive, if he goes, it’ll be a positive. We have bigger concerns. cough offensive line cough
36 year old receivers who can't get open anymore
don’t normally make teams. Just the sad truth.
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
And players who did almost nothing in the NFL shouldn’t be in the Hall of Fame (Pat Tillman, Steve Tasker)
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
klompus, I will admit, I never know what you’re talking about. I do know that you like to pick a comment or two and make a statement off of it, and making sense isn’t really your thing. That is fine.
I will move on though…
In this case, I felt a ridiculous statement was in order as a response to a ridiculous statement.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
He’s telling you to stop drinking at 1 am (I think).
"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."
I drink when I want to drink mofo…
But seriously…why is 1am a bad time? That seems like prime time to me….especially on weekends….
I would think a college kid like klompus would understand…..
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Okay Now What?
All I want is a plan. It seems that there was a feeling in the Steelers Front Office that offensive play calling is what kept the Steelers out of the Superbowl this year. At this point I am just hoping that personel moves do not kill Steelers hopes for next year.
Mr. Bouchette says that there has been no decision made at this point on Hines’s future. The way that this has been handled I do not know if this is a good thing or bad thing. A change was made on offense now it seems that it is not clear what this change is or how far it will go. Free Agency starts in 3 weeks. A plan in place would help players decided if they want to stay or come to the Steelers.
Green Bay has to make the same choice about Driver but you do not see that much drama around it.
I hope Hines is one the roster come fall. I cannot remember a 12-4 team this shakey on what it naxt move would be.
man…why do you feel like you are deserving of privileged information? I can assure you, by the time training camp hits, you’ll know. We’re a damn week off of the Super Bowl man.
Just like the other things you are so angry about, why? You were pissed off about the OC decisions because they DIDN’T make a decision during the Super Bowl week. Now you’re pissed off because a news story surfaced about Hines, and you don’t feel the Steelers FO moved fast enough to answer some reporters speculation? Does this odd sense of entitlement show up in your every day life as much as it does on here?
This is just a suggestion, but, maybe give it…………I don’t know…TWO weeks after the Super Bowl before you get concerned.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
and if that don’t work, maybe I’ll screw up your mind by doing this….
Yeah…you don’t know what to say….
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Dude….seriously….
what the F am I supposed to say to that? Come on now. That’s not even fair.
Ok………you win.. Both pics…too much……
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Nonsense. You can never have enough pain. Put pain in chili, thai food, falafels, enchiladas, even soups and sandwiches. I’ve even heard of putting it on donuts.
Lol.. I haven’t either, that’s why when I saw someone say “can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut” in a movie, I had to quote it…
Lol.. I haven’t either, that’s why when I saw someone say “can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut” in a movie, I had to quote it…Background info, the restaurant the characters were at ended up becoming Roscoes Chicken and Waffles, due to a Forrest Gump type moment…
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Privileged???
Dude do not have a hissy fit on me. It stopped being privileged when someone in the Front Office leaked info to the NFL network. Get into a cat fight with your best buds in the Steeler front office not me.
I am disappoited not pissed. I do not have an odd sense of entitlement, but you seem to have a “the Steelers can do no wrong vibe”. I do not need to know everything. I just want answers to questions that the front offce has raised. LIttle things like if the QB and the New OC are in town is it that hard for the Front to scheduel a meeting? Here are some dates for you.
Feb. 20 – Teams can begin applying franchise and transition tags to players
Feb. 22-28 – NFL Combine
March 5 – Deadline for teams to apply franchise and transition tags
March 13 – Free agency begins at 4 p.m.
To me having everyone in the FO knowing where they are going with the Offense would be helpful at this point, but hey maybe that is just me. It maybe easier to go to the combine if the know the type of talent they are looking for.
My hope at this point is to hear no more leaks from the front office.
by Willard Taylor on Feb 12, 2012 11:09 PM EST up reply actions
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