On March 8th, players will be released by their teams and let go; they can then find another team to play for. Some of the releases are well known, and some will be complete surprises. However, one thing is certain; most of the players will find new places to play and can be signed by teams starting March 13th.
Hines Ward is no different. Ward will be released from the Pittsburgh Steelers after 14 seasons, tallying up 1,000 career catches – the most in Steeler history.
The Indianapolis Colts will also release some players that usually would be seen in a Colts uniform. Included in the list – two receivers that opens up spots for other free agent receivers to come in. The 2012 Colts will be a rebuilding team, but they will still look to add veteran players to help mentor these younger players.
Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon will more than likely sign with someone else, and the Colts will need to find guys for rookie Andrew Luck to throw to. Hines Ward would be a perfect fit for this young quarterback. Ward is a 14-year veteran and his leadership skills are his best attribute. He can manage a whole locker room, and without Manning’s presence there, it will be needed.
Coach Pagano has mentioned that he will have an offense that will run first. With that idea, Hines Ward, who is well known for his blocking skills, would be a great asset. Ward is also a possession receiver, and let’s be honest; he is not a receiver that will beat anyone deep. On the other hand, his short passing game and ability to move the chains is one of the best in the league.
Hines Ward is definitely on the downside of his career, which has been a great career for a guy that has been told is undersized and too slow. Not to mention, a man that doesn’t have an ACL in his left knee, from a childhood injury during a bicycle accident.
Ward has 1,000 career catches, 12,803 receiving yards, and 85 receiving touchdowns. He plans on adding more to those totals in 2012, possibly in a Indianapolis Colt uniform.
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