However, it seems that the Steelers may not keep Ward. After losing his starting job, Ward is now due $4 million as his contract ends in 2013. He says is willing to take a pay-cut to stay with the team he's been with for his whole career.
"I plan on playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers and going from there," Ward said last Thursday during Super Bowl week.
Ward doesn't plan to retire yet, but he is for sure that he's not going to play past two or three years when the media asked him about it.
"I don't know about that long," he laughed.
If the Steelers don't keep him, look for them to re-sign Jerricho Cotchery quickly. As for Ward, who knows what team might want his services. For the 35-year-old, there will be some teams interest, no doubt.
I wouldn't be surprised seeing maybe him and Peyton Manning teaming up as both are rumored to leave their respected teams. Maybe they can move their talents to South Beach or Arizona. Don't count on it, though.
But I think his days as starting are now over. However, I could see him being playing more of a slot or fourth-string role.
Ward has 1,000 catches for 12,083 yards with 85 touchdowns for his Hall of Fame career.
Hopefully, he still has some more left in the tank.
----