[Report] Hines Ward willing to restructure deal with Steelers after reports of his departure

Recently, a report from NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora, citing unnamed sources, said that Hines Ward, perhaps one of the Steelers’ most iconic (if not infamous) players, would not continue playing for the Steelers, as the team opted not to bring him back.

Ward responded to the report on his Facebook page, saying that he told the Steelers that he would be willing to restructure his deal so that he can keep playing and, hopefully, be able to retire with them.

“I don’t normally like to respond to rumors, but as I’ve said all along, I want to finish my career with the Pittsburgh Steelers,” he wrote. “And as I’ve already told the organization, I am willing to work with them to restructure my contract to make sure this happens.”

Here’s more from La Canfora’s report that started all of the buzz:

As the Steelers work to restructure contracts and manuever below the salary cap, the circumstances are dictating the twilight of Ward’s 14-year career. On the books, he has one year and $4 million left on his current contract. On the field, Ward also took a backseat to youngsters Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, posting his lowest receiving totals since his rookie season in 1998.

The Steelers have adjusted the contracts of CB Ike Taylor and linebackers Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley. They might not be done, as La Canfora suggested S Troy Polamalu ($6.25 million next season) and QB Ben Roethlisberger ($11.6) could be next.

Ward has left the window open to playing elsewhere next season, but the choice might not be his if he can’t work out his own restructured deal.

Do you want to see Hines Ward stay with the Steelers?