The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best defensive lines in the National Football League, and leading the way for them for 13 years now has been Cam Heyward, who wants a new contract extension. Heyward skipped all of the Organized Team Activities this offseason in protest, but the Steelers haven't given him a new contract. Heyward has continued to play at an extremely high level for years now, but his 2023 season was filled with concerning injuries, which holds the Steelers back.
Peter Diana / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward shows his frustration during a Pittsburgh Steelers' game.
Heyward appeared in 11 games last season for Pittsburgh, but those 11 games took a toll on Heyward mentally and physically. It was a long year for Heyward, going through a ton of adversity. It was easy to see that he was tired, and that his time could be running out. However, after the season officially ended, Heyward seemed excited about getting back to work for his fourteenth season. The 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year seems confident in himself and his abilities moving forward. During a media press, Heyward explained that he thinks he's still a top five player at his position.
Mike DeFabo of The Athletic still has confidence in Heyward, and thinks that the two parties should come to an agreement on a small, short deal. Although, DeFabo is concerned about his two latest surgeries and how that could affect him. Recently on 93.7 The Fan, DeFabo explained what kind of deal the Steelers should offer him.
"What he is right now, is that I think he could still be a very good defensive lineman. Even playing basically on one leg last year, his run stats were good last year," DeFabo said. "But he's also 36, he's coming off two surgeries, and you have to ask yourself, even if Cam Heyward has an iron will and wants to play forever, is his body going to listen to that and is his body going to hold up at this stage in his career? I think what would make a lot of sense for both sides is you extend Cam maybe just one year if he's willing to do it. Maybe it has to be two for him to do it."
The year 2024 is huge year for Heyward and the Steelers. A Super Bowl ring is still on Heyward's checklist, and there isn't a lot of time left remaining to achieve that.
Michael Longo / USA Today Network
Steelers' Cam Heyward carries a flag honoring Franco Harris before playing the Raiders just days before Christmas.
Heyward and the Steelers continue their work next week when training camp starts. The team has just a few weeks before their first preseason matchup which will take place in Pittsburgh against the Houston Texans.
Steelers Have A Good Future Behind Cam Heyward With Keeanu Benton
The Steelers drafted defensive lineman Keeanu Benton in the second round in 2023 which turned out to be a great pick. Benton played all 17 games and had a solid rookie season behind Heyward and the rest. Benton has gotten a lot of recognition this offseason for his performance in 2023, and many expect him to take another big jump in his second season. Pittsburgh's defensive front is loaded with Heyward and Benton leading the way in the middle, and we all know about their special play makers on the outside.
Steelers.com
Steelers' defensive front of Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and Larry Ogunjobi at OTAs.
The Steelers and their defense have performed pretty well last couple of seasons. However, injuries always seem to kill them. A fully healthy Steelers defense would quickly become one of the best units in the league. Week one can't get here fast enough for the Steel City as it watches the team put the pads on in Latrobe. It's been one of the most interesting and exciting offseasons in a long time for Pittsburgh, all in an attempt to reach their seventh title.
What do you think? What kind of deal should the Steelers and Heyward agree on? Will Heyward bounce back this season? Let us know in the comments below.
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