Ward signs four-year extension

By John Onan  |   Tuesday, September 06, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Pittsburgh Steelers
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After a much publicized holdout and contract dispute, the Pittsburgh Steelers and All-Pro wide receiver Hines Ward have finally come to terms on a four-year contract extension. Reports indicate that the new deal could be worth as much as $25.8 million, which includes $10 million in guaranteed money and up to $2 million in performance incentives.

Ward was in the final year of his original deal, signed in 2001, that was due to pay him $1.67 million. Before reporting to camp on August 15th, he had held out in a dispute with management over how slow the negotiating process was going. Ward was selected to the Pro Bowl the past four seasons and felt he should be properly compensated.

Hines Ward has always claimed he loves playing in Pittsburgh and wanted to spend the rest of his career with the Steelers. He returned to the team, despite not having a new contract, in a show of commitment to the team. Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II said he was very pleased to have gotten this deal done, which assures Ward of being a Steeler for years to come.

Ward has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving in each of his four Pro Bowl seasons, including 80 catches for 1,004 yards in 2004.

The Pittsburgh Steelers open the season this Sunday at home versus the Tennessee Titans.
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