Steelers' Cameron Heyward Has Impressive Start To Camp: "Looks As Good As Ever" While Awaiting Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a few contract extensions lingering into the start of training camp, including the one for defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. At age 35, Heyward is the oldest player on the team and has been a dominant force on an already suffocating defense.  

A fan favorite, Heyward was the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and has been a team captain seven times. He has been selected for five Pro Bowls and is a three-time First-Team All-Pro. Despite his undisputed talent, the Steelers have not extended Heyward yet. Heyward has been quite vocal about wanting to be a "one helmet player" and stay in the black and gold for the rest of his career. 

He and the franchise are in uncharted territory here. It is uncommon for a defensive lineman to make it 35 and be able to play as well as Heyward. Unfortunately, he suffered a groin pull during training camp in 2023. It had not healed fully, and he tore it completely during the first game of the 2023 season. He had to undergo surgery to repair the tear and missed several weeks. 

Heyward's work ethic and determination are beyond question, and he put in the extra effort to return as quickly as possible. Regardless, he could only play in 11 games, which might have played a part in him not being extended. 

One of Heyward's best abilities has always been availability. He had missed very little time before this, with his last significant injury being a pectoral tear in 2016. That fact hasn't stopped fans and some media members from acting like Heyward has been an injury-riddled player his whole career. 

Even though Heyward wants a contract extension, he is in Latrobe participating in training camp. Gerry Dulac, longtime Steelers reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, was asked during one of his popular chat columns how Heyward has looked at camp. He indicated it's still early, but everyone is happy with what they have seen. 

"Let's see what happens in real games, but I will tell you this -- he looks as good as ever right now," Dulac wrote.

During his 13 years in the league, Heyward has racked up 647 total tackles, 80.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and two interceptions. That didn't stop Heyward from being snubbed by Pete Prisco recently in his Top 100 list for CBS Sports. Prisco gave Heyward an "honorable mention" rather than including him on the actual list. 

Injury aside, Heyward is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league. It seems as though his recent injury caused Prisco to forget about him. Heyward has always shown that he possesses the ability to bounce back. He did it after that 2016 injury; during the 2017 campaign, Heyward had a career-high 12 sacks and two forced fumbles. He landed fourth in the voting for NFL Comeback Player of the Year. 

Steelers' Cameron Heyward Won't Be Going Anywhere

Heyward may test the free agency waters for the first time in his career after the upcoming season if he and the franchise don't agree. Some feel he is old enough that the team should just let him walk away. Others, however, feel Heyward has been a valuable asset for a long time, and the Steelers owe him a debt of loyalty. There is worry that by allowing Heyward to walk away, the Steelers will set a dangerous precedent by not staying loyal to those who have stayed loyal to them. 

Dulac said in his chat that despite Heyward's value, he doesn't believe the team will trade him. He also doesn't think the Steelers will work a deal out with Heyward before the start of the season. It is not a secret that the Steelers don't negotiate or sign players during the season. If that is accurate, they are likely waiting to see how Heyward performs during the season before making any decisions. 

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