Steelers release Hines Ward

The Bears will sign Ward, declaring their longtime search for a true #1 WR is finally over. If he remains healthy for a season, Ward's 40 catches for 450 yards next season will say otherwise. He's just about out of gas, and had a great career.

I think he will make it into the HoF, but he'll have to wait for the right window. He needs to be the best WR on the ballot, and in a HoF class without many superstars to elbow him out of the top 5. He's the leading WR in Steeler's history. He has rings. He has Pro Bowls.

It is crazy that Cris Carter is not in yet. That may muck things up for years regarding WRs. Until Carter gets in, no WR is getting in. Randy Moss will be in consideration about the same time Ward is, so it will be interesting to see who goes in first. Moss has the numbers advantage on Ward, but he is an all-time tool. Ward has the rings advantage.

honestly the Bears signing Ward wouldnt surprise me, they signed Merrill Hoge and Kordell late in their careers. Same people are in charge right? Hoge should of been forced to retire, I worry about that dude, he'll probably end up with chronic encephalopathy trauma in a decade or so. This disease is the only thing that could bring the NFL down, unless we can figure out a way to see if you have it before you die and donate your brain.

Steelers may just bring Ward back if something crazy happens with Mike Wallace and Cotchery signs elsewhere. Honestly with a new offense being installed, 3 22 year old UFAs would probably be a better option all around if we are left with only Brown and Sanders. Moneywise and ability

It will come down to the amount of money the Steelers have left going into next season.

This makes sense.

The Steelers are way over the cap and have to shed some $$$.

Restructuring Ward to a level he's willing to accept, and that the team can afford, will be the key.

 I worry about that dude, he'll probably end up with chronic encephalopathy trauma in a decade or so. This disease is the only thing that could bring the NFL down, unless we can figure out a way to see if you have it before you die and donate your brain.

Go back to leather helmets with no faceguards.  This will make players think twice before leading with the helmet.

The Bears will sign Ward, declaring their longtime search for a true #1 WR is finally over. If he remains healthy for a season, Ward's 40 catches for 450 yards next season will say otherwise. He's just about out of gas, and had a great career.

I trust this is just an attempt at being witty. 

Even the WR starved Bears wouldn't go that route.  There's better options amongst over the hill WRs to choose from. 

As far as what Ward should do ......... I think he should retire.  At 35 he's coming off his worst season since his rookie year.  And when you consider his production in the last 8 games included just 20 catches for 123 yards for a stellar 6.15 yards per reception I think it's a pretty clear sign that he isn't going to be productive in the NFL anymore. 

And to top it off he didn't catch a single pass in the Steelers playoff game in Denver. 

As the season wore on the Steelers were clearly phasing Ward out.  There's no chance that he will figure in their future. 

He's put together a career that could very well result in a HOF berth.  There's nothing more he's going to be able to do to further that goal. 

He's put together a career that could very well result in a HOF berth.  There's nothing more he's going to be able to do to further that goal


Problem is, if Cris Carter can't get in, how does Hines Ward?  

He's put together a career that could very well result in a HOF berth.  There's nothing more he's going to be able to do to further that goal


Problem is, if Cris Carter can't get in, how does Hines Ward?  

You make a great point.  Statistically you would think Carter is slam dunk and yet it hasn't happened yet.  Tim Brown has more catches, yards and TDs than Ward and yet he is still waiting.  And every year the list of WRs eligible for the Hall grows and the stats become more and more impressive. 


The question is whether or not Ward gets some consideration for his blocking as well.  I don't know if there was another WR who was better at that part of the game.  But, who knows what goes on with the HOF voting. 

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Just heard on Pittsburgh radio that it IS official. They have released Hines Ward.

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He's not going to help any team or himself playing another season.


Ace 2 the base means peace see u later! 

He's not going to help any team or himself playing another season.

It is an ongoing problem with veteran "stars" who feel that they can play forever.  Whines Hard is not the player he once was and will never be able to reach that level again.  It would be ashame (as much as I dislike Ward) for him to try to play and become a shell of what he once was. 

I think it is the same problem that might one day catch up to Ray Lewis.  Ray is nearing the end of a brilliant career and still plays at a high level, but no where near what he once was.

 Statistically you would think Carter is slam dunk and yet it hasn't happened yet.  Tim Brown has more catches, yards and TDs than Ward and yet he is still waiting.  And every year the list of WRs eligible for the Hall grows and the stats become more and more impressive. 

It's simple really.  Would anyone consider Ward one of the greates WR's of all time?  No.  He was really good.  And probably deserves to be in the Steelers Hall of Fame.  But not the NFL Hall of Fame.  Hell, most of his career, Ward wasn't even the best WR on the Steelers.