Hines Ward remains the lone player in active negotiations for an extension with the Steelers. The others, apparently, will have to wait either until Ward comes to an agreement or talks reach an impasse with him before the club opens negotiations with anyone else. "The focus is always going to be on Hines first," said cornerback Deshea Townsend, who enters his eighth year with the team, the past 1 1/2 as a starter. "That's how it goes. I want to sign a new contract and stay here. I have to go out there and prove myself on the field again, I guess." While negotiations began between the Steelers' Omar Khan and Ward's agent Eugene Parker the last week of April, it appears not much progress has been made. Parker would not say what kind of deal he is seeking other than something commensurate with Ward's accomplishments and ability. Ward would receive nearly $1.7 million in salary this season if no new agreement is reached.