Report: Ward on way out of Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Steelers fixture Hines Ward likely will not be back with the team next season, sources told NFL.com.

The Steelers are ready to cut their ties with Ward, who spent the last 14 season in Pittsburgh and has a year left on his contract but has seen his productivity decline.

Ward saw his lowest production since his rookie year this season and slipped behind Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown as a primary receiver.

NFL.com said Saturday there was still a chance Ward could eek out another year by restructuring his contract as many of his teammates have done. He has, however, not ruled out playing for another team.