Steelers Continue To Work On Contract Extensions During Weekend

As the Pittsburgh Steelers start preparing for their season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, Omar Khan is already working ahead of the 2024 season. Khan is currently working with Cameron Heyward and Pat Freiermuth to get new contracts done before the Steelers "self-imposed" deadline when it comes to contract negotiations, according to Gerry Dulac. 

Heyward, entering his 14th season in the NFL, has been very vocal about getting a new deal done since May, as he even missed some portion of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). He believes he has several quality years left and would like to finish them in Pittsburgh, but if things are to work out, he wouldn't mind playing somewhere else. While his "OTA holdout" did not last long and he has been present since, his stance on what he deserves has not changed.

Heyward feels he is at 100% coming into 2024, whereas, in 2023, he missed six games due to a groin injury and knee issues. He believes he when he is healthy, he a top five player at his position. 

While he is 35 years old, he believes he can play at an All-Pro level as he did back in 2021 when he recorded 89 tackles, 10 sacks, with 17 quarterback hits and nine pass deflections. The Steelers, in years past, have been pretty firm when it comes to cutting ties with their older players, like they did with Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu.

Freiermuth is on his final year of his rookie contract. While last season wasn't one to remember, when he saw just 32 receptions for only 308 yards and two touchdowns, he is hoping to see more production in Arthur Smith's offense. His first two years, he was a reliable target, having at least 60 receptions in both seasons and a career-best seven receiving touchdowns in his rookie campaign.

Dulac believes that Pittsburgh will want to get a deal done with Freiermuth, since he expected to be a big part in the offense and has proven in years past that he is a reliable target. Smith loves to utilize the tight end position, so locking up their former second-round pick to a friendlier deal is a priority. 

"But with a new system and a veteran quarterback in place, Freiermuth should exceed his production from his first two years when he become only the second tight end in NFL history to have at least 60 catches in each of his first two seasons." wrote Dulac.

With the Steelers' wide receiver room going into the season very questionable, Freiermuth has the potential to be the second receiving option behind George Pickens. If he has a breakout year, his contract could have a heftier price compared to getting the deal done before the start of the season. 

The last time the Steelers gave a new deal to a player during the season was in 1995, where they extended Darren Perry after the third game of the season. It's almost a foregone conclusion that no one will get a new deal once the team's opener kicks off.

Steelers Have Several Players Whose Play Will Determine 2025 Contract Status

The Steelers still have to work out deals with other key pieces to their roster. Players like Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields all will be watched very closely by the front office throughout their prove-it seasons. In the coming days, the Steelers are hopeful to get contracts done for Freiermuth and Heyward, both hoping to see their 2024 seasons filled with more success compared to 2023, and especially when it comes to staying healthy. 

Will the Steelers be able to get contracts done for Freiermuth and Heyward before their opener or will the Steelers be adding two more players to get deals done in the 2025 offseason? Let us know what you think will happen in the comments.

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