Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers released Ward on Wednesday, ending his 14-year career in Pittsburgh.
The move was confirmed in a statement released via the team’s official website.
“We had a conversation today with Hines Ward and informed him that we plan to release him of his contract prior to the start of the 2012 NFL calendar year,” Steelers President Art Rooney II told the team’s website, Steelers.com. “Hines has been an integral part of our success since we drafted him in 1998 and we will forever be grateful for what he has helped us achieve. He has meant so much to this organization, both on and off the field, and we appreciate his efforts over the past 14 years. Hines’ accomplishments are numerous, and he will always be thought of as one of the all-time great Steelers. We wish him nothing but the best.”
It was an expected move, as Ward fell out of favor in the offense last season, while displaying diminished separation skills and route-running ability.
No longer capable of handling his usual slot duties, Ward was nowhere near worth the $4 million he was set to earn in 2012, and the money will likely now go toward signing fellow receiver Mike Wallace to a long-term extension.
Set to turn 36 in a few days, Ward, the Steelers’ all-time leader in receptions, may opt to call it quits — as was the initial expectation — or settle for a one-year deal at the veteran’s minimum with another club.
Written by Zach Kelberman via FeedCrossing
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