Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward has been a huge part of the Steelers during his 14 seasons, but the team is ready to move on without him.
This is according to NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora who told “NFL Total Access” that the veteran receiver won’t be returning to Pittsburgh next season.
It’s not really a surprise considering what happened during the 2011 season. Ward posted his worst numbers since his rookie season, 46 receptions for 381 yards and two touchdowns, and youngsters Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders have started to take over as the feature receivers.
Ward has one year and $4 million left on his current contract. By not bringing him back, the Steelers can save some money for a player that they’re using less and less of.
If he wants to, Ward can come back to play another season. It would be odd to see him play for another team after playing in Pittsburgh for 14 seasons.