Was reported by Ed Bouchette yesterday on the Mark Madden show that Hines Ward will not report to training camp without a contract extension. He is in the final year of his deal that will pay him something like 2 million this season (not sure of the numbers). After last season, Steeler management said that extending Ward's contract would be the team's top offseason priority - and though there have been negotiations throughout the offseason, nothing has been settled. Bouchette said that Hines has turned down a contract that offers a 7-8 mil signing bonus and expects something north of 10. Again, none of this is confirmed by anybody within the Steelers or by Hines or his agent. Ward knows that the Steelers would be hurting without him (2nd year QB with Cedric Wilson, Randle El, Lee Mays as the 3 top wideouts). Steelers coul dbe caught between a rock and a hard place. I love Ward as a player but if he is turning down a 7-8 mil SB, don't know how much more the Steelers should offer. Steelers camp opens on Sunday. May get interesting.
Listening to the AM radio during lunch it sounds as though he is not going to report without a deal. He says that he will holdout for as long as it takes to get a new deal. Can't really blame him though. He has played at a below market value for the last few years. he ha snever missed a game in his career and gives it all 100% of the time. Has made multiple Pro Bowls. This is probably his first and last chance at a huge contract. Can't really blame the Steelers either for not wanting to give him Marvin Harrison money. he is 29, as taken a lot of abuse in his career physically, and has never been a big deep threat. But he is the heart and soul of the team. Hines says that the Steelers and his agent have only spoken one time in the last 4 months. Doesn't sound promising.
arty: :finger: :finger: 
El Iguana said:
Dont even go there. The Steelers are going nowhere this Year, The Bengals are going to win the Division easy. Why, because they will be able to dictate the pace of Divisional games. Instead of thinking, you can always subscribe to my, NFL INSTANT HIT SYSTEM. 104-2 over the last 3 Years.
Dante.
