Steelers Insider Thinks Cam Heyward Will Need To Take Massive Pay Cut To Stay With Team In 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, Cam Heyward has been a staple for the team for over 10 years now. Now 34 years old, he's shown signs of slowing down in 2023. He has missed six games due to injury, which hasn't helped his production. In 10 games, Heyward has just two sacks, three quarterback hits, one pass deflection, and no forced fumbles or recoveries. With just one game remaining, those are all on pace to be career-worsts since he became a full-time starter back in 2013.

Even if you averaged his numbers out through 16 games, the numbers would still be the worst in his career. As a result, Heyward's streak of six consecutive Pro Bowl appearances is in severe jeopardy. In his weekly chat on Wednesday, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette speculated that there is a possibility that Heyward isn't on the Steelers in 2024. If he is though, it will have to come with a significant pay cut, in Dulac's opinion.

"I think Cam has earned the right with the Steelers to come back for the final year of his contract, if he so chooses. However, if he does, there is no question he will have to re-do his contract," Dulac said in his chat. "He is scheduled to earn $16 million salary and count $22.4 million against the cap, so he likely will have to accept a LOT less money for his last season."

That's a lot of money owed for a guy that is clearly not at the top of his game anymore. Now, he has just one year remaining on his contract, so the team could just honor his deal for all that he has done for the team. It is a business though, and more than likely, the team will ask him to take a pay cut. Heyward still remains an important member of the defensive unit though, particularly with the concerns along the defensive line. 

Amongst 130 qualified interior linemen this season, Heyward ranks 33rd with a 69.8 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus. He's remained solid in defending the run, but has seen his pass-rushing abilities take a step back. Heyward is surprisingly the team's third-ranked lineman, behind Armon Watts and rookie Keeanu Benton. Benton has been impressive in his first NFL season, but there are still doubts about the future of the group.

What Should The Steelers Do With Heyward?

The Steelers will need to add more youth to the aging group this offseason, particularly as DeMarvin Leal has been a healthy inactive lately. His future in Pittsburgh may be coming to an end this offseason, which would be quite the disappointment for the 2022 third-rounder. Larry Ogunjobi is locked into his three-year deal, but beyond him and Benton, next season looks uncertain for the defensive line.

While there's no denying that Heyward has finally slowed down this season, it's hard to imagine him not being on the team in 2024. The veteran means so much to the team, not only on the field, but in the locker room as well. He's been one of the mainstays in this franchise, as his leadership has kept the unit together through this difficult season. We'll see what the Steelers' front office decides to do, but in the meantime, let's hope Heyward can help the team get back to the postseason this upcoming weekend.

Do you think Heyward will still be in Pittsburgh in 2024? How do you think the 13-year veteran has performed in 2024? Do you think he will ultimately return and take a pay cut or either retire or join a different team? Share your thoughts in the comments below, yinz!

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