The Facts: Anyone who thinks Ward will retire hasn't been around him much. He plans to play in 2012, whether it's with the Steelers or somewhere else. We should know soon whether the Steelers want to keep him or not. Ward has two years left on his contract, 2012 and 2013. Those are not guaranteed. However, Ward has a bonus due in March. The Steelers must decide whether they will pay that bonus, which means they want to keep him for 2012, or release him.
Diehards Line:Post-Gazette staffer Ed Bouchette went on to note that many observers have said Ward no longer can play, that he's not getting "separation" anymore. The Steelers coaches seem to think that too, which is why Bouchette believe those coaches do not want him back. But if they force him out, Bouchette believe there will be some teams who would welcome him to their roster -- not as a No. 1 or maybe even a No. 2, but as a proven, veteran possession receiver who can impart his knowledge on some younger receivers. Arizona, for example, would be among them, especially with Ward's old position coach and offensive coordinator, Ken Whisenhunt.