Steelers Re-Sign Hines Ward

Following the 2009 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers were set to have a number of key players hit unrestricted free agency, including James Harrison, Hines Ward, Ryan Clark, and Heath Miller. Earlier this offseason, the Steelers locked up Harrison with the second-richest contract in franchise history.

On Saturday, ESPN's John Clayton reported that Ward agreed to a four-year, $22 million deal (that's only $20 million less than what Matthew Stafford received for never playing a down in the NFL) that will keep the physical receiver in Pittsburgh for the remainder of his career.

Originally a third-round draft pick in 1998, Ward has spent his entire career with the Steelers, and is currently the team's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

He's a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time All-Pro, while also winning the MVP in Super Bowl XL and re-writing the Steelers' record books for wide receivers.

It's a great deal for the Steelers not only because it means one of their most popular players will play his entire career with the team, but because, as Clayton pointed out, it gives the Steelers some much-needed room against the salary cap heading into 2009.

Aside from being known as one of the league's most reliable pass-catchers, he's also one of the most physical receivers in the NFL.