The Pittsburgh Steelers have an aging defensive line and the 2024 NFL Draft wasn't exactly deep at the position. That, on top of the organization being more desperate for help in others areas, led to just one guy that plays on the defensive line in Logan Lee being selected by the franchise. The future remains in question in terms of stability, but Cameron Heyward is still around to lead the group. Entering the final season of his contract, the veteran is currently not reporting to team activities because he is looking to play past 2024 and wants another contract extension.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers defensive lineman and team captain, Cameron Heyward (#97) during a 2022 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Pittsburgh, PA.
The NFL is a business and no matter how much Heyward has done for the city of Pittsburgh, it may not be wise to give him another two years, especially after he had an injury-filled season in 2023. The Steelers have always been a loyal organization, but it's not a guarantee that the front office sees it as best practice to pay Heyward what he might be looking for.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette held one of his weekly fan chats on Tuesday and was asked about the veteran lineman. The franchise is going to need to make a serious business decision when it comes to one of the team's captains, and that could mean that Heyward doesn't end up getting what he wants in a freshly inked deal.
"I don't know that he feels entitled to a new contract, but he wants a new contract. NFL players have short careers with only so many years of earning power. You have to maximize it while you can. But it's also a business, and the Steelers have to make some hard business decisions and consider if Heyward, at his age and coming off a major core muscle injury, is worth the investment. Just because he wants a new contract before the season begins, doesn't mean he'll get one."
The fan base would love nothing more than for Heyward to finish his career in the Steel City. As of now, it appears that is wanted by all parties, but his asking price may turn the front office away. No one is expecting Heyward to hold out into the regular season, but if he doesn't receive a new deal, it could lead to him testing the free agency market in 2025.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers team captain Cameron Heyward (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) talk to one another during a 2022 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Heyward has had an incredible career with the Steelers. As he plans to enter his 14th season, the veteran has competed in 194 games while totaling 647 tackles, 121 tackles for loss and 80.5 sacks. When it's all said and done for him in the Steel City, he will be second all-time in sacks only behind TJ Watt. He is currently tied with James Harrison for second and barring anything crazy, should move into sole second in 2024.
Team development is extremely important in the NFL. Not having a leader like Heyward in the building is problematic, but not the end of the world. It will be interesting to see what General Manager Omar Khan and Heyward's team can agree upon before the regular season kicks off. He is certainly missed when he is not around during workouts.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers stars TJ Watt (#90) and Cameron Heyward (#97) stretch prior to a 2022 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Need More Long-Term Security On Defensive Line Regardless
Heyward being extended would help the team's cap situation out for 2024, but there's no doubt that aside from Keeanu Benton, no one on the line under the age of 25 really excites the fan base. It will be critical over the course of the next few years to flood the room with young talent, similar to what has happened on the offensive side in recent offseasons.
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