Steelers Veterans Are Pushing Keeanu Benton To Profit From Cam Heyward’s Absence

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in good hands with veteran team captain Cam Heyward since 2011. For the first time in his career, Heyward has now decided to skip Organized Team Activities (OTAs). He is doing so to negotiate a new deal with the team before returning to the field.

This season marks the final year of Heyward's four-year, $65.6 million extension. Concerns about his age and an injury during the 2023 season, which led to a decrease in production, have caused some fans to wonder if Heyward might consider taking a pay cut. However, Heyward made it clear that he has no intention of doing so. While it's unlikely that Heyward won't play for the Steelers in 2024, there is a small possibility that he could hold out or be traded if a new deal isn't reached before the season.

Meanwhile, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has emphasized that he remains in contact with Heyward and is not worried about him skipping OTAs. In Heyward's absence, some veteran players are stepping up to help young defensive lineman Keeanu Benton emerge as a leader. According to ESPN staff writer, Brooke Pryor, Montravius Adams is playing a key role in helping Benton transition into this leadership role.

"It's about the reps, but it's also about helping him find his identity, letting him know that he's the new leader of this thing. I just want to help groom him into that, and just take the next step.”

Adams is working to prepare Benton to step into a leadership role. He sees Heyward's absence from OTAs as the perfect opportunity for Benton to develop in that area.

"I've kind of seen it a little bit, and I feel like he can fit here and be here for a long time, and I just think the next step will be just -- it's good to be a player that can go out there on the field, but sometimes you need somebody to talk to. There's just areas I would like for him to grow at, and just keep getting better doing what he's doing."

In the 2023 season, Benton appeared as a starter for nine games. He had to step up as a rookie to fill in for Heyward when he went down with injury. In 2023, Benton earned 36 total tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles in 484 snaps. Benton explained how he has attempted to be heard in the locker room while Heyward has been away from the team. 

"I'm just being myself," Benton said. "Guys gravitate towards me because of who I am. [They] ask me questions. I don't mind answering them. I answer 'em honestly. It's nice to have a different rookie [Logan Lee] in the class. That's really the guy who asks the most questions to me. And then just being able to be a different voice in the locker room, breaking down huddles and stuff like that. [Heyward's absence] Just gives me more opportunities to be heard and pick up my role."

The Steelers selected Logan Lee in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Benton revealed that Lee has been asking him a lot of questions, and he has enjoyed having more opportunities to lead and be heard during OTAs. Despite being a young player on a defense filled with veterans, the Steelers appear to see Benton as the heir apparent to Heyward. 

Steelers' Keeanu Benton Will Have Big Shoes To Fill Once Cam Heyward Is Done

Once Heyward's time in Pittsburgh concludes, Benton is expected to become the next anchor of the defensive line. This experience in leadership and being heard should greatly benefit Benton's progression in Pittsburgh. His teammates appreciate his leadership role, and it’s encouraging to see the veterans pushing him to improve in every area.

For Steelers fans, they will hope Heyward gets back with the team soon. Despite his age, he is very motivated to prove every doubter wrong in 2024. The Steelers defense has playmakers in every area. Having a healthy and motivated Heyward back in 2024 is something the Steelers greatly want to happen. 

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