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"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."
A clause in Ward's contract likely prompted the Steelers' announcement. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported in January that his contract stipulated that the receiver must be released or guaranteed his job with the Steelers by March 1.
Ward took a back seat to Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown last season, posting his lowest receiving totals (46 receptions, 381 yards, two touchdowns) since his rookie season in 1998.
The Steelers are facing what general manager Kevin Colbert recently called "serious issues" with the salary cap this offseason, and as of Feb. 6, they were $22.5 million over the cap, according to NFL.com research. Since then, the team has restructured the contracts of offensive tackle Willie Colon, linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers' offseason priority is to retain Wallace, but NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora has reported there is very real concern within the front office that the team could lose the receiver in free agency because of its financial limitations.
Remember: Brown and Sanders will become restricted free agents next season and the team will need to retain them also. Overpaying Wallace won't help them in that regard.
Ward was originally drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft out of Georgia. He spent 14 years in Pittsburgh and became the team's all-time leader in receptions (1,000), receiving yards (12,083), receiving touchdowns (85) and 100-yard receiving games (29). Ward is the eighth player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions and joined only Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only two players in league history to post 1,000 career catches and win multiple Super Bowls.
Ward was the MVP of Super Bowl XL after leading the Steelers to a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He posted a game-high 123 receiving yards on five receptions with one touchdown.
The Steelers' 2008 Walter Payton Man of the Year, Ward was named to four Pro Bowls (2002-05) and was a member of the team's 75th Season All-Time Team.
The next question is obvious: Will Ward will want to continue his career with another team?
Sounds like it. ...
Ward released the following statement following the Steelers' announcement:
"This isn't how I wanted this chapter of my career to end. I did everything in my power to remain a Steeler and finish what I started here 14 years ago. I want to thank the organization, my teammates and coaches and everyone who made my run as a Steeler the best years of my life. To Mr. Rooney, thank you for allowing me to play for one of the greatest organizations in the world. To my fans and in particular Steeler Nation, thank you for your support and all the great memories. I gave my heart and soul for you every down and I will always bleed black and gold.
"I do feel that I still have more football left in me and I am looking forward to playing in the NFL again this upcoming season."
Stay tuned.