Why Pittsburgh Steelers Need Hines Ward More Than They Realize

There have been conflicting reports on Hines Ward's future with the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Saturday the NFL Network claimed the Steelers had decided not to keep the 35-year-old wide receiver on the roster, but then a day later the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that a decision had yet to be made on Ward. 

Whether or not they know it, the Steelers need the veteran around, at least for another season.

Ward's production has been steadily declining, which shouldn't be a surprise given his age. Ward will turn 36 this offseason and is coming off a year when he caught just 46 passes for 381 yards and two touchdowns. It was his worst season statistically since his rookie year in 1998.

He is scheduled to make $4 million in 2012, which really isn't much by today's standards. According to the Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, the problem is that the Steelers are convinced he can't be effective anymore. He was shut down by press coverage and had issues getting open all year long. Down the stretch he almost never saw the field in obvious passing situations.

While those are certainly huge issues, the Steelers need Ward for who he is on the field, not what he is. Pittsburgh has two young receivers in Antonio Brown (23) and Mike Wallace (25).

While both guys could mature into studs, they have a total of five years of pro experience combined. Ward just wrapped up his 14th season.

As a leader, Ward is invaluable to Pittsburgh and well worth his $4 million salary. Honestly, I have a hard time believing he can't be a third receiver in the NFL for another year. After next season, the four-time Pro Bowler will be a free agent and is almost certain to retire. Given how valuable he has been to the franchise that drafted him, I think the Steelers should do the right thing and keep him on board.

Ward is a three-time team MVP (2002, 2003, 2005) and has won two Super Bowls in Pittsburgh. He has never played for another team and I'm sure it would be awful for Steelers fans to have to see him wearing another uniform.

Ward has said he isn't ready to retire, so the team should bring him back, if only to mentor the team's young wideouts.