Steelers' Strategy For Cam Heyward's Extension Gets Leaked: “They Know What Needs To Be Done”

The Pittsburgh Steelers received surprising news when it was revealed that long-standing captain Cam Heyward would be skipping Organized Team Activities (OTAs) for the first time in his career. Heyward decided to sit out the start of OTAs as he sought a new deal with the organization. As the third week of OTAs began, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac reported that Heyward had returned to the team.

This development led many to wonder if any significant progress had been made regarding Heyward's request for a new contract. Heyward stated that it didn't mean anything major had happened behind the scenes. He just felt like it was time to be back with the roster. Entering the twilight stages of his career, Heyward is coming off a 2023 season marked by injuries and a significant drop in production. After undergoing surgery this offseason, he is determined to prove his detractors wrong in 2024.

Heyward, now 35, is playing on the last year of his contract. He signed a four-year, $65.6 million extension in 2020 and will count $22.4 million against the cap in 2024. According to ESPN, this makes him one of just seven defensive linemen set to earn $20 million or more in the upcoming season.

Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of Heyward's situation. It seems unlikely for him to sit out this late in his career, but he has made it clear that he wants a new deal. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly joined 93.7 The Fan to share his insights on what he believes will happen with Heyward.

"I think it'll be done. I think it'll be done before camp, if it's not done right before camp, then darn close before camp. And that's just my anticipation right here. I've been saying it forever. Both of them are gonna have to come off of their number a little bit right now, whatever that is. But I think they'll get it done. Cam wants to be here and the Steelers want him to be here. They need him. So I mean, they're grown adults, they're humans. They know what needs to be done here to be able to bring him in here."

Kaboly is confident that a deal will be reached and anticipates that a new contract will be finalized before the start of training camp.

"It does Cam Hayward no good just to sit out and play out the season, in my opinion. And does the Steelers no good to just move on from him and just see what he does this year and revisit it next year. So I think it's just a lot to do about nothing right now. And I think eventually it will get done here. I mean, like I said, if it's a week into camp, it's a week into camp. But, I think it will happen."

At this stage in his career, sitting out for a season would not be wise for a veteran such as Heyward. The Steelers hold him in high regard and want to keep him a Steeler for life. It seems likely that both parties will come together and find a way to reach a new deal that benefits the organization.

Steelers' Defense Is Expected To Be Dominant In 2024

The Steelers' defense has improved significantly since 2023. They signed linebacker Patrick Queen in free agency, who is expected to make a major impact. Minkah Fitzpatrick is set to anchor the safety position, and the addition of cornerback Donte Jackson via trade further strengthens the secondary. Additionally, Joey Porter Jr. is poised to have an even greater impact in 2024.

T.J. Watt remains one of the league's best players, and Alex Highsmith is back, ready to wreak havoc on quarterbacks. Ensuring that Heyward is part of this defense in 2024 is crucial, and according to Kaboly, the Steelers are determined to secure his place on the team sooner rather than later.

#SteelerNation