Steelers' Cameron Heyward Absolutely At Ease With The Idea Of Playing Elsewhere

The Pittsburgh Steelers just wrapped up minicamp, and Cameron Heyward's contract extension was an ongoing topic. The Steelers are handling the situation the way they handle all business decisions: by saying nothing publicly. Heyward, for his part, has been quite vocal about his abilities and his desire to stay in the Steel City. 

One of the chief concerns regarding Heyward is his age. The six-time Pro Bowler has just turned 35 and is entering his 14th season. He is the most tenured player on the team. Despite these factors, Heyward's loyalty to the Steelers has always shone through. He recently expressed his hope to be a "one-helmet guy," a testament to his desire to stay with the team.  

Heyward, apparently frustrated by the extension not being completed, did not initially attend the voluntary workouts. However, he ultimately showed up for the final week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), even though Head Coach Mike Tomlin stressed the fact that voluntary means voluntary and he wasn't concerned.  

According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, Heyward has done a 180 and now admits that he has accepted the possibility of playing elsewhere. 

"I have talked to my wife (Allie), and we know the reality, and we have had those talks, and she said it could be fun to play somewhere else," Heyward said to Kaboly. "If that is what is needed to be done, then so be it. But I am still enjoying the ride here this year."

Kaboly hints that a comment like that could be Heyward playing the contract game the same way he plays football, "with tenacity and ferocity." It is possible that Heyward is subtly letting Pittsburgh know he will walk away if they don't get a deal done. 

Heyward's teammates stand by him, united in their support and admiration for his efforts and leadership. Kaboly reported that fellow tackle Keeanu Benton told him Heyward lives for playing football. The team appreciates him attending the final week and has indicated that he leads by example, which carries a lot of weight with the team. 

The Steelers have a long history of not negotiating during the season, and General Manager Omar Khan indicated that will not change, not even for Heyward. A much-needed member of the defensive line, it is hard to imagine the team without Heyward. The line is aging; it isn't just him, and while players like Benton are coming on, they don't seem ready to take over quite yet.  

Steelers Expect To See The Same Old Heyward In 2024

During the media scrum, Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin spoke about the defensive captain. While the team hasn't even put on pads yet, Austin said he expects Heyward to return to his old self this season. He said that Heyward is "moving so much better than he was last year." 

At the beginning of the 2023 season, Heyward suffered a groin injury that ultimately had to be surgically repaired. That injury caused him to miss extensive time during the season. He pushed himself to return too soon by his admission. However, the narrative being spun by some fans that he is this injury-riddled old man is false. It is true that Father Time is undefeated, but before 2023, Heyward put up career-high numbers in back-to-back seasons. He hasn't missed any significant time due to injury since 2016, and he didn't miss a single game in either 2021 or 2022. 

The team and Heyward will have to develop a contract that makes sense to both of them. It needs to be one that ensures the Steelers don't overpay a player who is nearing the end of his career, but also honors the fact that, as of now, they still need him on the line. 

What do you think about Heyward's comment? Do you think he will be in Pittsburgh his entire career? Click to comment below.

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