Steelers Don't Want To Set Dangerous Precedent With Cam Heyward

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, Cameron Heyward is entering the final year of his contract in 2024. The team's failure to sign him to the extension he requested has created a media buzz about his future with the organization. 

In The Athletic's reporter Mark Kaboly's recent mailbag column, someone asked him why the Steelers shouldn't wait for the end of this season to make an offer. That will give them time to see how he performs and whether that old injury is still causing issues. Kaboly joined The Joe Starkey Show on 93.7 The Fan and was asked about the Heyward comments. Kaboly believes if the team waits, they are rolling the dice.   

"I would agree (with waiting) if it was anyone else, but someone who's meant this much to the program, I don't know if you want to set that precedent with that type of a guy," said Kaboly. "Let's take advantage of your loyalty, and we know you'll just sign back. Maybe for somebody else, that's fine; maybe it's the guy who's only been around for a couple of years. But I think Cam's on a different level that you shouldn't, and they probably wouldn't treat him that way. I still think he's a very good player. He had injuries last year, but everyone has a year where they have injuries. I think he's still good enough to bounce back and have a very productive season."

Kaboly adds that a very productive season for a defensive lineman is a big deal, regardless of age. Players with Heyward's abilities and leadership qualities are hard to find and very expensive. Both Heyward and the Steelers want the same thing, and both want to protect themselves.   

Everyone knows football is a business; Kaboly points out that money is the primary factor. Despite Heyward being a good businessman, he is still a human with feelings. He believes he has given a lot to the city and organization, and if he feels dismissed, it would be hurtful. 

"You're relying on Cam to be very loyal to the organization. If he does have that great year, he can go get paid somewhere else. You're assuming he wouldn't do that; he doesn't want to go somewhere else; he wants to be that one-helmet type of guy."

Kaboly believes the deal will be done before the start of the season. He said they are in a wait-and-see situation right now, and both sides are just holding on to see "who blinks first." 

Former teammate Arthur Moats said that Heyward is playing a dangerous game with the franchise. He was making minor threats about leaving and did not show up for the start of voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), but later showed up for the rest. He also was there for minicamp. Moats said that players who are really trying to demand a new contract are willing to take the fines for missing. 

Would Steelers' Cam Heyward Leave?

Regarding Heyward's comments about going elsewhere, Kaboly said the media blew them out of proportion, but he thinks Heyward is a very proud individual. If the Steelers really back him into a corner and only offer something like the veteran minimum, he might go somewhere else to prove he can still play. 

Fans can stop worrying too much about seeing Heyward in orange and brown; he said that was a joke and that his wife would be angry if he played for the Cleveland Browns. Heyward has always been open about his desire to stay in his hometown and be a Steeler for life. 

What do you think the Steelers should do about Heyward's extension? Click to comment below. 

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