BleacherCoaches.com

Hines is ranked 37th according to his salary. Is he better than that? Betchursweetdupa! However, he already knows how the Steelers set up their contract talks. He should have his agent see how many other Steelers showed in camp, waited and played, then talked with management about sweetening the pot rather than pouting and playing out his year and hitting the bricks. I love the guy, but you can't buck the system.

Well you are exactly right on this one. I like the guy to but you would be even more respectful if you put in your contract and then ask for more money if you get another one the next season.

However, the Steelers need to make a move to bring him to camp and start negotiations, and offer him a good deal that he'll accept. He is crucial to this team's success, especially without Plexico Burress. The Steelers are, at best, second in the AFC North without Ward (and that's being very, very generous) even though third with a 7-9 record is much more likely. The Steelers need to do something about this, because if Ward sits out this season, they'll be competing with the Browns to stay out of the cellar.

Hines Ward knows that he needs the deal done now on his terms, not the Steelers. Suppose Ward plays the good soldier and comes to camp. Will the Steelers reward him with a big multi-year deal with a big signing bonus next year if he get a serious injury this year? Of course not. Will Ward get a bigger contract if his numbers go down this year? He knows that without Burress there, he will draw more attention and ultimately his numbers will go down. Will the Steelers take that into consideration when it comes time to negotiate next year? Yes, and they'll offer him less money because of it.

If the Steelers don't pay Ward what he is worth now, they'll lose him permanently.