Steelers' Cam Heyward Completely Destroyed Steelers Insider: "You Will Not Slander My Name"

Pittsburgh Steelers veteran defensive lineman, Cam Heyward will not be attending Organized Team Activities that began on Tuesday. Heyward is in the final year of an extension he signed before the 2020 season, which pays him $16 million and counts $22.4 million against the salary cap in 2024. The six-time Pro Bowler emphasized his desire to stay with the organization he has been with since 2011, but he believes that holding out while he looks for a new deal is the best thing for him right now. Heyward recently denied a report that claimed he did not inform the team of his intentions to skip the voluntary workouts.

Heyward has not been afraid to speak his mind on his contract status which has been a little divisive amongst Steelers fans in the 2024 offseason. Heyward struggled through injuries in the 2023 season and was limited to 11 games. He also turned 35 on May 6th and plays a position where very few players can maintain a high level of play into their late 30s. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote in an article about Heyward's situation that he didn't tell the team about his intentions to skip OTAs. 

"The Steelers have had a 'discussion' with Heyward about a contract extension, but it has been nothing more than that, according to team sources," he wrote. "Heyward did not tell the Steelers about his threat to skip OTAs, preferring to announce it on his podcast, Not Just Football."

The team's longtime captain and 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner was not pleased with Dulac's reporting and took to X to post his rebuttal. 

"That is a bold face lie," Heyward wrote on the social media platform. "Just cuz I don’t answer your text doesn’t mean I don’t communicate with the team. You will not slander my name." 

Heyward has communicated through his podcast that he has no intention of taking a pay cut in 2024, and wants to continue to play beyond this contract. He said he's grateful for all the support from the fan base, but is keeping receipts of the negative opinions he's seeing.

Heyward remains an integral part of the team's defensive line group for 2024. The team also has a proven veteran, Larry Ogunjobi, and an emerging talent in Keeanu Benton. However, the remaining players have not proven to be more than rotational pieces.

Steelers Need Heyward To Be Back In 2024 In A Big Way 

Pittsburgh weathered the storm in 2023 in the games without Heyward. Despite being able to return and help the team in some ways down the stretch as they fought for their playoff lives, it was clear that Heyward was still dealing with the lingering effects of his injuries. 

In 2023, Heyward had one of the worst statistical years of his NFL career. He only managed two sacks, which is his lowest total since 2012 when he had 1.5 as a rotational player. His three quarterback hits were a career low, and his six tackles for a loss were the lowest in any season he's been a starter, including 2016 when a pectoral injury limited him to seven games.

Heyward had been enjoying success as he aged. From 2017 to 2022, Heyward made the Pro Bowl each year and was on three AP All-Pro First Teams.

If he can return to his pre-injury form, Pittsburgh will benefit greatly in 2024. It could make the contract negotiations difficult down the road, but it's better than the alternative of having to say goodbye to a franchise great after watching him struggle. 

What did you think of Heyward's response to Dulac? Comment below!

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