Was reported by Ed Bouchette yesterday on the Mark Madden show that Hines Ward will not report to training camp without a contract extension. He is in the final year of his deal that will pay him something like 2 million this season (not sure of the numbers). After last season, Steeler management said that extending Ward's contract would be the team's top offseason priority - and though there have been negotiations throughout the offseason, nothing has been settled. Bouchette said that Hines has turned down a contract that offers a 7-8 mil signing bonus and expects something north of 10. Again, none of this is confirmed by anybody within the Steelers or by Hines or his agent. Ward knows that the Steelers would be hurting without him (2nd year QB with Cedric Wilson, Randle El, Lee Mays as the 3 top wideouts). Steelers coul dbe caught between a rock and a hard place. I love Ward as a player but if he is turning down a 7-8 mil SB, don't know how much more the Steelers should offer. Steelers camp opens on Sunday. May get interesting.