NFL

Ward is circling the wagons one day after NFL.com reported the Steelers were prepared to move on without him, but his camp has yet to actually say the report was false. One thing that is clear is that Ward has yet to discuss his future with the team. When he does, he will almost certainly be informed of his release.

Responding to reports that the Steelers are ready to move on without him, Ward posted a statement to his Facebook page Saturday. "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 said. "And as I've already told the organization, I am willing to work with them to restructure my contract to make sure this happens." Most telling about Ward's statement is that it doesn't deny he's yet to be contacted by the Steelers. All signs are pointing toward Ward's time in Pittsburgh being over.

This lends credence to NFL.com's Friday report that Pittsburgh is planning to part ways with one of its long-time linchpins. The Steelers recently restructured a number of contracts, and almost certainly would have already been in contact with Ward if they were planning to bring him back. Ward has insisted he'll play in 2012 even if he's released by the only team he's ever known.

Even if Ward agrees to dramatically slash his $4 million 2012 salary, it doesn't sound like he'll be back for a 15th season in Pittsburgh. Unless he draws interest for his leadership, there's a good chance Ward could be forced to retire if cut loose by the only team he's ever played for.

"He has one year left on his deal worth $4 million," said La Canfora. "According to my sources, he won't be back there. So that's $4 million off the books." Ward could take a pay cut all the way to the minimum and he still wouldn't be worth retaining, because No. 4 receivers have to play special teams. Creating cap space at a rapid rate with restructurings and cuts, the Steelers are likely hoping to find some way to make Ward's release go as smoothly as possible.

The moves have included cutting CB Bryant McFadden and WR Arnaz Battle, and redoing the contracts of CB Ike Taylor, and LBs Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley. As of late January, the Steelers were a projected $25M over the cap, so more transactions are coming. They may include releasing WR Hines Ward, NT Casey Hampton, and LG Chris Kemoeatu. The Steelers want to give Mike Wallace a long-term deal rather than try to retain him with a restricted tender.

Keep in mind that "reworking" deals does not constitute a pay cut or make these contracts easier to handle in the long run. Taylor, Timmons, and Woodley are becoming even bigger long-term cap burdens. Per PFT's Mike Florio, Taylor's scheduled $5.75 million 2012 salary dropped to $825,000, and he was immediately paid a $4.975 million signing bonus to make up the difference. That new "signing bonus" will be prorated into 2012, 2013, and 2014.