Hines Ward will soon be released by the Steelers.
He's a hall of famer. No doubt. The question is, though, would the 49ers benefit from having him on their roster?
The answer is yes, they would. But not for a high price, and not for his production on the field.
Ward is a tough, physical wide receiver. He's been called dirty before. Put that together with six 1,000 yard seasons, and you have a damn good player, despite his older age.
Last year, Ward only pulled in 46 balls for 381 yards and 2 touchdowns. Those numbers are not impressive in the slightest. He's had better years, sure. But he's experienced and he shows the tenacity and toughness I think the 49ers were missing at WR last year.
He's a veteran who knows how to win. He helped Pittsburgh get to three AFC Championship games and has two Super Bowl victories under his belt along with four Pro Bowls and the 2006 Super Bowl MVP award. That veteran presence is something the 49ers do not have at WR.
If Michael Crabtree played more physical, I think all 49ers fans would be happier. Josh Morgan, who is returning from a leg injury next year, could benefit from some increased toughness as well. Hell, the whole receiving core could.
Ward wouldn't have a huge impact on the field, but his influence on other players would be extremely valuable to the growth of the Niners' wide-outs.
Of course, he will probably want to retire as a Steeler - he bleeds black and yellow. It's unlikely he would come out to San Francisco (or play at all, for that matter), but the 49ers could really benefit from his style of play and veteran leadership if they could snag him at the right price.
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