Hines Ward Rumored To Be Cut From The Steelers, Should The Panthers Take Advantage?
by James Dator on Feb 12, 2012 2:35 AM EST
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PrintTimes have changed: The idea of franchise favorites riding off into the sunset is over, and now we see cornerstones like Peyton Manning and Hines Ward being possible cut candidates this off-season. With Cam Newton set at quarterback we're not going to be touching the eldest Manning, but there could be a role for Hines Ward if NFL Network reports are right.
With Todd Haley now at the helm of the Pittsburgh offense it seems the team is willing to rely on their younger receivers, and by cutting Ward the team saves close to $4 million, important because the Steelers are in a mess with their salary cap. Though Ward has said he want to retire as a Steeler, and even willing to re-structure his deal it would be surprising if he actually found a way to make it through the brutal post-season cuts.
It's important to note that Ward isn't the player he was 5 years ago, he's now a 35 year old possession receiver whose ceiling is probably a 700 yard player at best, but that could be good enough to earn the #2 spot in Carolina. After the jump we'll look at the pros and cons of rolling the dice on Ward in free agency.
Pros
- A consummate pro who is still a legitimate threat when used right.
- A receiver who has experience with a QB with a similar skil-lset as Cam Newton.
- Still an elite blocking WR who would not only help the run game, but help in instructing Brandon LaFell.
Cons
- He'll be 36 when the 2012 season begins.
- Ward could be burnt out and be a 3rd or 4th WR at best.
- Using him would take away from the development of the young receivers.
What do you think Panther faithful? Would Cam Ward be a good addition to the team for the right price, or is the risk not worth the reward? I want to hear from you!
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No
I believe LaFell is the same type receiver Hines is…
But if he’s cheap what can it hurt….
by rscott94 on Feb 12, 2012 2:37 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Would Cam Ward be a good addition
How is a Goalie going to help the Panthers?
"If Grandma had balls she'd be Grandpa" Steve Smith
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Saving The Environment One Green Comment at a Time
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Interceptions or bludgeing oppossing players with trusty stick perhaps?
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No no...
he is referring to Chud’s new weapon….a QB/WR hybrid who can’t be stopped
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by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 12, 2012 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
Ward is a Steeler at heart and will stay that way.
He has never has the speed but has has the hands and verteran knowhow of were to be, and gut to put his body on the line. Ward if cut will go to a contender, meaning a team that has been in the playoff for the last few years, not just the possiblilty of it.
I do not deny he could contribute to the team with his knowlege alone and be a Phroel Type player, but if his is cut it would be surprised to see him come to us.
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Where do you think he would go?
Baltimore would probaly want him but he wouldn’t want to go there cause of the Steelers… And that’s the only place I can think of who constantly goes to the playoffs
by rscott94 on Feb 12, 2012 3:11 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
That was my first option as well.
The Ravens are a similar team and thought Foes, a famaliar team who could us a soild WRs with guts and run blocking abilities.
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by bigred28655 on Feb 14, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
No
Great guy and hard work ethic, but his best days are behind him. If anything we would be paying him for the locker room presence. We need a playmaker.
You know they were college teammates?
"What up? We're three cool guys looking for other cool guys who wanna hang out in our party mansion. Nothing sexual. Dudes in good shape encouraged. If you're fat, you should be able to find humor in the little things." Again, NOTHING SEXUAL
"I'd rather jerk off a tiger in a phone booth than draft Cam"
-Mel Kiper, Jr.
you guys are like a bunch of pirahnas
by chop goes da weazel on Mar 31, 2011 12:32 PM PDT
by MikeTrain on Feb 12, 2012 10:58 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
unsure of the appropriate response to this.
the picture just makes me chuckle.
by Lost_terrapin on Feb 12, 2012 6:57 PM EST up reply actions
LOL
It took me a second to realize who was hugging him.
Cam Newton, when a reporter asks him who will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday: "I'll tell you Sunday."
by Son of a Newton on Feb 12, 2012 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
He'd add nothing to the receiving corps
Apparently he’s going to restructure his contract to remain in Pittsburgh, anyway.
by Ol' Uncle Munnerlyn on Feb 12, 2012 3:32 AM EST reply actions
I don't think
I don’t think Cam Ward can do a thing to help the panthers.
Jerrico Cotchery
is the Steelers WR we should look at. Hines Ward is done.
I didn't know Cotchery was available
Though if he is, I see him staying in Pittsburgh
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 12, 2012 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
Freaking hilarious :)
~A bullet may have your name on it...but grenades are addressed 'to whom it may be concerned...'
by boywonderncsu on Feb 12, 2012 10:49 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
I say no.
We have Lafell stepping up now, and Gettis going to make his return, then 2 or 3 others we haven’t got a chance to see yet. Like you said in the article, getting Ward would take away from what we already have. Everyone knows I liked Fox for coach, but we made the change, so now we can’t be wanting every vet player we see to play for us. The goal was to coach up the younger players and we have several that can be coached to play.
STICK THE KNIFE IN AND TURN IT!!!!!
We should really focus more on growing our own talent
Than picking up has-beens who can barely crack into the lineup on the only team they’ve ever played for.
Love him as a player...
But in a word, no. Cons outweigh pros.
by pantheredgar on Feb 12, 2012 10:10 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions
This just wouldn't make any sense for the Panthers.
I’d rather go into the season with Smith & LaFell/Gettis as our X and Z receivers with Pilares/Naanee in the slot. With a full offseason, I think our receiving corps could turn out to be pretty sick. I’d rather take the risk to find out than I would waste a season on Ward.
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if they cut him, he'll retire
Ward is a steeler to the core for whatever reason. He’s already said he’ll restructure his contract hasn’t he?
Save us Pilares
by LimeyPanther on Feb 12, 2012 10:33 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I actually voted yes
That’s a big if though. Only should we make a run for him if it’s a very small contract, and he doesn’t take time away from LaFell and Gettis.
"What do you want to say to those critics now?"
"Just sit back and watch the show." -Cam Newton
Keep bringing up high profile wrs and I will keep reinerating that our defense needs the help
and we cant afford them anyway. I should save myself the time and cut and paste this.
"If I have to find Jesus does that mean he is hiding ?" THE SOESBEAST " death solves all problems, no man no problem" Joseph Dzhugashvili
by allthatremainsstillowns on Feb 12, 2012 11:09 AM EST reply actions
WHERE IS THE DO NOT DOG WHEN YOU NEED HIM!!!!
Why would we want a wr that can bearly run faster the D lineman, LaFell blocks just as good as him now
Id do it
But I doubt the FO will. Id love to have him as an extra upgrade for Cam as long as we sign Shockey first and dont draft a WR. I mean we have a chance at making a run for the Super Bowl this year and this is a move a SB team makes in my opinion. As long as it is just a one year deal and have LaFell as the 3rd WR,
the one thing that really sticks out to me
about the kind of role hines ward could play for us is as a supplement in the run game. he’s a devastating blocker on those little guys outside. that said – no. get him some young talent to build chemistry with, not placeholders. if we bring shockey back, we’ve got enough veteran leadership on offense
Well, one thing can be said for Ward
He’s willing to do the “dirty” work as a wide receiver, if you know what I mean.
Do.
Not.
Want.
No, he's obviously lost a step and he wasn't that fast to begin with
His role has steadily been reduced the last couple years. It’s likely he’s done and just hasn’t realized it yet. If we are going to spend money in FA on a WR then it should be spent on someone younger with some upside, not someone who’s likely to be in a broadcast booth in the next 12 months.
"Beer, both the cause of and solution to all of life's little problems." - Homer Simpson
I wouldn't do it.
He might be a immediate upgrade, and I even have my doubts about that, but he’d take playing time away from guys like Gettis, Pilares, and Edwards that need to see the field to improve.
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
No Quiero. He's not much of an upgrade over Gettis or Lafell.
Cam Newton, when a reporter asks him who will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday: "I'll tell you Sunday."
by Son of a Newton on Feb 12, 2012 3:17 PM EST reply actions
We don't have the money for it.
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by Jake Humphrey on Feb 12, 2012 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
I really doubt that.
I think Colston is more a product of the system than an elite WR. Jackson would be cool with me, but I’m pretty sure he’s looking for big money that we aren’t going to offer. Not to mention that Jackson is one screw up from a one year suspension.
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I think it is pretty naive to say Colston isn't elite. Actually, I'd say he's a top 8 WR.
Everyone talks about him being a result of the system, well, why hasn’t Devery Henderson, or Robert Meachem reached similar success? keep in mind these players were all drafted earlier than Colston…..Perhaps we don’t get Colston, but if you think for one second that we wouldn’t consider him if he hits the market, you’re quite mistaken.
Of course we would "consider" him.
It’s just good business. All teams, even ones that don’t need a receiver, will have Colston on one list or another.
Colston is an above average receiver. He’s good, but he’s not elite in my eyes. His receptions and yards are bolstered by the sheer number of pass attempts in New Orleans. I think it is naive to disregard the fact the Saints throw the ball more than almost anyone else in football
"Keep Pounding" -Sam Mills
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Colston has good hands and runs decent routes
I wouldn’t say he’s elite but he’s pretty good. You can’t ignore the system that he’s in though. The amount of passes and receivers used make it impossible for him to be double covered and throw in the fact that he has Drew Brees i’d say any receiver could be pretty good.
He’s not going to break tackles or break someones ankles but he does a good job of running routes and catching the ball. Somewhat like Larry Fitzgerald except not as productive
CAM....CAAAAAAAAM
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