Potential Falcons Free-Agent Signings: Hines Ward Cut by the Steelers

Hines Ward was just cut by the Steelers. The Falcons have a need for that old Brian Finneran, No. 4 wide receiver and third-down specialist. Ward is a veteran who could fill that role tremendously, as well as fill that of a veteran receiver who can help teach Roddy White and Julio Jones some more about the NFL.

Ward is also a good fit for a blocker on screen passes. The Falcons are looking to implement quite a few more screen passes. There is the thought that when you can’t get offensive linemen, you have wide receivers and tight ends block for the ball carrier.

Why Ward Comes to Atlanta

Hines grew up in the Atlanta area near East Point and in Forest Park, Ga. He played high school and college football in the state of Georgia at Forest Park High School and the University of Georgia. He played tailback and wideout while at UGA, and even played some quarterback while there. Atlanta provides him a place to play closer to his family, who still live in the Atlanta area, and would also provide him a role that he could turn from player to a coaching intern and then eventually, a coach.

Why Atlanta Brings Ward into Town

Hines Ward is one of the most aggressive blocking wide receivers out there. Hines would add another element to the screen game. He’d also fill the role of a No. 4 WR and a third-down specialist. Hines also shouldn’t be ridiculously expensive, as he should only command around the veteran minimum salary.