Steelers Won't Offer Cam Heyward A New Deal In 2024 As They're Trying To "Take Advantage Of His Loyalty"

The Pittsburgh Steelers were supposed to have a drama-free summer, aside from the inevitable trade rumors revolving around the wide receiver position. Unfortunately, a wave of drama came from an unexpected source, Cam Heyward. He is entering the final year of his deal at the age of 35, and wants to play past the 2024 season. He has expressed his desire to sign an extension with Pittsburgh, but has also announced he is warming up to the idea of playing elsewhere after 2024. 

Initially, Heyward was making his point by not showing up to the team's voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs). He would eventually show up to OTAs and mandatory minicamp, but still wants a new contract that will keep him in Pittsburgh past this upcoming season. General Manager Omar Khan does not conduct contract negotiations during the season, and it doesn't seem like the two sides are anywhere close on a new contract. Mark Kaboly expressed his thoughts on the situation during a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan.

"Once you get past September 8th and that start of the season, it's anybody's guess at that point. You don't know what the season's gonna look like, you don't know what the Steelers would offer him. I think what they're trying to do is take advantage of his loyalty. Honestly, that's what I truly believe. It's, 'Ok, let's see what you can do this year, we know you'll sign back this year. You don't want to go anywhere else. So, we'll save our rear ends here of any risk and we know you'll sign back next year.'"

September 8th is the Steelers self-imposed deadline to get any contracts done and squared away, and it is also the team's first game of the season. Pittsburgh is essentially calling Heyward's bluff according to Kaboly. Heyward made comments recently about talking to his family about playing somewhere else after this season is over. The Steelers are basically betting that he wouldn't do that. Heyward is too tied to Pittsburgh with his charity work, he's 35, has children in school, he doesn't want to make a large move like that at this stage in his career. 

The timing of this doesn't look good for Heyward. He is coming off what was one of his worst seasons in the NFL, where he struggled to get to full health after suffering an injury in Week 1. This is part of why it came as a shock to see Heyward wanting a new contract. He did undergo a corrective surgery during the 2024 offseason, which could help him get back to playing like his old self. 

Wanting a new contract also doesn't mean that Heyward is demanding to become the highest paid defensive tackle in the league. He could just want to be able to get paid to play football for a couple more seasons. He wants to extend his career, and certainly takes pride in being able to say that he only wore one uniform. 

Steelers Should Sign Heyward Past The 2024 Season

Letting Heyward play out his current contract is the right move, but the Steelers should re-sign Heyward once the season concludes. This should obviously only be to a one or two-year, team-friendly deal. If Heyward has another season like he did in 2023, he will be in no position to demand money from the organization. He is at the age now where he provides a ton of value with his leadership and mentorship to the younger defensive linemen. 

Pittsburgh's defensive line isn't necessarily bad, but it certainly lacks depth and could be concerning. Heyward can still produce some and plug holes, and Keeanu Benton burst on the scene in 2023. But the team still needs Heyward there to mentor young guys coming in over the next few seasons. As long as Heyward is reasonable in his asking price, there is no reason the Steelers shouldn't bring him back for another year or two after 2024. 

What do you want the Steelers to do about Heyward's contract? Comment below.

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