Hines Ward had to accept a smaller role in Pittsburgh this year, as he went from a starter to the number 3 receiver, but he wants to stay in Pittsburgh. The question is does Pittsburgh want to keep him.
The emergence of Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown has made his future in Pittsburgh cloudy. Wallace and Brown are in their third and second years respectively, and both caught for over 1,100 yards this season, becoming entrenched in the top two receiver slots.
But injuries are prevalent in the NFL, and teams including Pittsburgh are going to more 3 and 4 receiver sets. Ward’s skills and leadership would make a significant contributor as a slot receiver, and a good backup if one of the two starters goes down. Depth is frequently what separates champions from also-rans. Just look at Buffalo, who suffered a rash of key injuries and went from 5-2 in their first 7 games, to 0-7 in the next seven.
Ward could still be a significant contributor and role player for the Steelers. But only time and the Steelers front office know whether he will get the chance. Asked about the potential of playing for another team next season, Ward said, “It would be weird, not how I want it to happen.”
“But I do want to play. I still think I can play. I’m not even thinking like that — what if. If that scenario happens, I’ll be devastated, but I do want to play football.”
Staying in Pittsburgh might necessitate taking a pay cut, which is a measure that Ward is prepared to make. “I’d probably have to restructure my contract,” Ward said of a potential pay cut. “That’s fine with me. I recognize that. I’m telling you I want to be here, I’m telling you I’m willing to do that. And I understand the ramifications — we have the cap number and stuff, but I want to be here.”
For a player to be that open about his commitment to stay where he is represents a startling level on honesty, but that’s how Ward is. He is a “character guy” – a good leader on and off the field, and someone who can show the young players what it means to be a professional.
