The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an exciting offseason, filled with both anticipation and concern. One of the more worrying moments came when veteran Cam Heyward announced he would be skipping Organized Team Activities (OTAs) for the first time in his career. Heyward made this decision to prioritize his own well-being while seeking a new deal from Pittsburgh.
AP
Defensive lineman Cam Heyward takes down Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson during a Pittsburgh Steelers game.
Heyward returned to the team during the last week of OTAs, but did not comment on how this related to his contract negotiations. This absence led some Steelers fans to wonder if Heyward would not be playing in Pittsburgh for the 2024 season. However, it now seems very likely that Heyward will remain with the Steelers in 2024.
On Thursday, Heyward appeared on Kay Adams' show, Up & Adams, where he expressed his excitement for the upcoming season. When Adams asked why Steelers fans made such a big deal about him skipping voluntary workouts, Heyward responded, believing it was simply because fans missed football.
“Because I think we are bored and we miss football. I think everybody has made a big deal about my contact negotiations and such, but at the end of the day, we are just worried about football. I will be there for the games that matter.”
Heyward is in the final year of his four-year, $65.6 million contract. He is one of the highest-paid players on the Steelers and some fans do not believe he is deserving of that money at this stage in his career. They wanted him to take a pay cut for the 2024 season, but Heyward was frustrated by that thought. During the 2023 season, Heyward seemed to consider retirement but quickly changed his mind. He has since made it clear he hopes to play for at least two more seasons, ideally three, and he wishes to finish his career in Pittsburgh.
USA Today
Steelers' Cam Heyward celebrates a big play.
However, he has also stated that he is comfortable finishing his career outside of Pittsburgh if necessary. There was even a wild rumor that Heyward might join the Cleveland Browns due to his family ties there, but he swiftly dispelled that notion. Heyward stated he would never play for the Browns, even joking that his wife almost threw up at the idea of him wearing their orange colors.
Despite an incredible career in Pittsburgh and being a potential future Hall of Famer, some fans felt Heyward lost a step during the 2023 season. His productivity declined, which he attributes to an early-season injury. Heyward rushed back from the injury and claimed he was essentially playing on one leg throughout the season.
Steelers' Cam Heyward Is Eager To Prove Fans Wrong In 2024
This offseason, Heyward underwent surgery and is determined to return to full strength. He has heard the criticism from fans who believe he is past his prime and is eager to prove his detractors wrong. Heyward revealed that he has been screenshotting negative comments as motivation.
NFL
Steelers' Cameron Heyward accepting the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award from Prince Harry.
If the Steelers do not secure a new deal with Heyward before the 2024 season starts, they won't negotiate during the season. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has made it clear that the team does not negotiate with players in-season, and that policy won't change.
Steelers fans are eager to see what kind of new deal Pittsburgh offers Heyward and when. It is possible the team wants to see him play in 2024 before determining his contract. For now, it seems Heyward will play for Pittsburgh in 2024 and decide his future afterward.
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