The rumor mill got going yesterday with the idea that current Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward could be an option for the Arizona Cardinals in 2012, if he was available. Originally the prevailing thought after Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos was that he would retire. Ward was relegated to backup duty in 2011. His current contract most likely would keep him from being a Steeler in 2012. However he has come out and stated he would take a pay cut to stay with the Steelers, as that is his preference. If he isn’t able to work something out with the Steelers, would he retire or would he be willing to play somewhere else, someone like Arizona?
Personally I’ve never been a super huge fan of Ward, however that being said, I think he would be a nice compliment to Larry Fitzgerald for a couple of seasons before he retires. The Cards could use a veteran receiver like Ward. He would be an upgrade as far as leadership and experience goes. I still think Andre Roberts at some point could fill that role, however he still lacks consistency. At times in 2011 it was painfully obvious the Cards lacked that second veteran receiver.
I doubt he ends up in Arizona. I put more money on him retiring if he doesn’t stay with the Steelers, but like the whole Peyton Manning fiasco, I believe anything is possible till proven otherwise. Could you imagine Fitz, Manning, and Ward on the same side of the field? Yeah, I could, but that’s where it’ll probably stay, in my imagination.