Former Steelers WR Hines Ward has joined NBC as an analyst across the NBC Sports Group's NFL, college, and studio programming.

Ward will contribute to Sunday's Football Night in America, serve as a studio analyst on NBC's college football programming, and also work for NBC Sports Network. As a former Super Bowl MVP and Dancing with the Stars winner, Ward brings plenty of star power to his new endeavor. "I am really excited," said Ward. "It's not everyday that you get the chance to work for a powerhouse like the NBC Sports Group."

Free agent Hines Ward announced Tuesday he is retiring from the NFL after 14 seasons.

Mike Jurecki of XTRA 910 in Arizona is "hearing" that the Cardinals don't have any interest in Hines Ward.

The connection with Ward's ex-Steelers coaches is obvious, but they eye in the sky doesn't lie. Ward wants to play again, but we can't imagine any team giving him more than a cursory look in training camp. Those types of players get signed deep into the offseason, not in the first days of free agency.

Free agent Hines Ward's 8.3 yards per catch average was the lowest in the league for a wide receiver with at least 40 receptions last season.

The statistic was pointed out by a personnel director whose franchise was rumored to be interested in Ward. Devoid of playmaking ability and battling concussions the past two seasons, Ward may not be granted his wish to play at least one more season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed on SportsCenter that free agent Hines Ward "wants to play at least another season."

"Make no mistake about it," Schefter emphasized. Some NFL analysts have pleaded with Ward to retire, but he seems intent on playing one more year. Schefter mentioned the Jags, Cardinals, and Browns as potential suitors. On NFL Network Total Access Wednesday night, Jason La Canfora suggested the Buccaneers.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, free agent Hines Ward's release from the Steelers had everything to do with the fact that the coaching staff feels "he can't play anymore."

"He could've offered to play for free and (it) wouldn't matter," writes Dulac. "Ward would have been a Sunday inactive if the Steelers kept him. They didn't want him taking a roster spot at the expense of a developing young player." Ward may get one last shot from a coach loyal to him, but he shouldn't be guaranteed a roster spot. His athleticism has evaporated at age 36.

According to Pro Football Focus, 16 of free agent Hines Ward's 46 catches in 2011 occurred behind the line of scrimmage.

The Steelers pulled out stops to get Ward to 1,000 career receptions, the number with which he finished the season (and potentially his career). It's worth noting that the Steelers' statement announcing Ward's release indicated they have no intentions of bringing him back at a lower salary. Arizona and Jacksonville are two teams that could show interest due to coaching staff connections, but retirement may be the likeliest outcome at this point.

Steelers released WR Hines Ward.

A 14-year Steeler, four-time Pro Bowler, and the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, Ward's separation skills have vanished and he is no longer quick enough to be a productive slot receiver. The Steelers may have considered trying to redo Ward's contract because of his decorated history, but ultimately the opportunity to keep Mike Wallace ranked much higher on the organization's priorities. At age 36, Ward will struggle to generate interest on the open market. He may have to settle for a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum in order to keep playing football.

GM Kevin Colbert says the Steelers remain undecided on Hines Ward's future with the team, but that more "terminations' are expected in the coming weeks.

It's the closest Colbert has come to admitting Ward's time in Pittsburgh is through. Colbert also assured Thursday that the Steelers plan to do "everything (they) can" to re-sign restricted free agent Mike Wallace. It's extremely unlikely they'll have the money to do so without first releasing Ward.

Hines Ward's DUI charge from last July has been dropped in favor of reckless driving and failure to maintain lane.

Ward isn't getting preferential treatment. It's customary in Georgia for DUI charges to be reduced to reckless driving when there's no breathalyzer evidence. Police allege that Ward failed multiple field sobriety tests, but the Steelers receiver refused the breathalyzer test.

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert says "no final decisions" have been made on Hines Ward's future with the team.

"We've had several discussions internally," Colbert said Monday. "We'll meet on (our own free agents) starting Thursday and carry through Monday." Ward has launched a PR offensive since NFL Network reported he wouldn't be back with the Steelers in 2012, but there has yet to be a report suggesting otherwise. Barring an emotional decision from one of the Steelers' higher-ups, Ward's time in the Steel City is through.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suspects that the Steelers saw enough of Hines Ward in 2011 to know he "can not be a contributor in 2012."

Ward didn't play a single snap in obvious passing situations down the stretch because Steelers coaches "did not think he could get open," and he was easily rendered a non-factor by press coverage from defensive backs. Per Dulac, the decision to part with Ward won't be based on finances. The Steelers simply don't think the 36-year-old is capable of helping them win games.

"A source close" to Hines Ward tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Ward has not been informed by the Steelers that he will be released.

Ward is circling the wagons one day after NFL.com reported the Steelers were prepared to move on without him, but his camp has yet to actually say the report was false. One thing that is clear is that Ward has yet to discuss his future with the team. When he does, he will almost certainly be informed of his release.

Hines Ward has reiterated he's willing to take a pay-cut to remain with the Steelersÿ

Responding to reports that the Steelers are ready to move on without him, Ward posted a statement to his Facebook page Saturday. "I don't normally like to respond to rumors, but as I've said all along, I want to finish my career with the Pittsburgh Steelers," he said. "And as I've already told the organization, I am willing to work with them to restructure my contract to make sure this happens." Most telling about Ward's statement is that it doesn't deny he's yet to be contacted by the Steelers. All signs are pointing toward Ward's time in Pittsburgh being over.

The Steelers have yet to contract Hines Ward about his future with the team.

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly, the decision will be performance-based if Hines Ward is released by the Steelers.

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports the Steelers will not bring Hines Ward back in 2012.

"He has one year left on his deal worth $4 million," said La Canfora. "According to my sources, he won't be back there. So that's $4 million off the books." Ward could take a pay cut all the way to the minimum and he still wouldn't be worth retaining, because No. 4 receivers have to play special teams. Creating cap space at a rapid rate with restructurings and cuts, the Steelers are likely hoping to find some way to make Ward's release go as smoothly as possible.

Hines Ward recently underwent surgery to remove bone fragments from his right ankle.

The surgery was minor in nature, and Ward expects to resume working out Monday. He will be ready for OTAs. In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ward also said he doesn't know if the departure of OC Bruce Arians will increase his chances of remaining with the Steelers in 2012. It is believed to be Arians who (wisely) pushed for Ward's benching this season.

Hines Ward is still planning to play for the Steelers in 2012.

Ward is due a roster bonus next month in addition to a $4 million contract. He's amenable to a pay cut, and it will have to be a significant one for him to return. The Steelers will have to make a decision by March 1 due to a clause in Ward's contract.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette speculates that Hines Ward's chances of returning to the Steelers may have risen following offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' retirement.

Per beat reporter Ed Bouchette, Arians had been trying to reduce Ward's role "for awhile" before finally getting the go-ahead from Steelers brass in 2011. It's still hard to imagine Ward returning at age 36 without a significant pay cut. He's not going to be a starter, and is due $4 million in salary.