An NFL Network report that Hines Ward won’t be back with the Steelers inspired Ward to craft a response.
The 14-year veteran released the following message on his Facebook page:
“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 said.
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports via a source “close to Ward” that no one from the Steelers has told Ward the team will release him. (Of course, the Steelers may still be planning to release Ward and they just haven’t said anything.)
Perhaps Ward’s future comes down to how much of a pay cut he’s willing to take from his scheduled $4 million salary. La Canfora hints the team wouldn’t even bring Ward back to training camp at a minimum salary, but that seems crazy. The Steelers wouldn’t try to let Ward make the team with no promises like a late-career Kevin Faulk or Troy Brown in New England?
If Ward wants a guaranteed salary or more money, then he could try to go elsewhere. We’re not sure he will find a better deal elsewhere.