Steelers' Russell Wilson Has A Savage Line For The Organization Regarding A Cam Heyward Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers expected to go through their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and training camp without any distractions, but that changed once veteran defender Cam Heyward expressed his desire for a new deal. Heyward is entering the final year on his contract, and is certainly on the tail end of his career. General Manager Omar Khan doesn't seem to want to splurge on a new deal for Heyward, especially since Heyward is coming off of a injury-riddled season in 2023.

The Heyward contract situation seemed like it would be a bigger deal than it wound up being. He originally didn't show up to a few days of OTAs, which are voluntary. Eventually he showed up, but his desire for a new deal remains the same. The veteran didn't want to be a distraction to the team, but has still been asked about his future. He has remained consistent in saying he wants to play past the 2024 season. During his most recent episode of Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, he sat down with Russell Wilson. Wilson asked Heyward how much longer he wants to play.

"This year and then two," answered Heyward.

Heyward has made it very clear he has no intention of hanging up the cleats after 2024. He will play past this upcoming season, and he has made it clear he is fine with ending his career on a different team. After hearing Heyward's answer, Wilson turned to the camera and had a message for the organization.

"Three more, okay, I love it. Steelers, you hear that? I mean I came here, and a lot of it was because of you."

It has been known that Heyward was a big advocate in getting Wilson to come to Pittsburgh during free agency. The two had met before at Pro Bowls and other events, and they got on a call ahead of Wilson signing. Like Heyward, Wilson also wants to play past the 2024 season, and he wants to do so with the Steelers. The two both hope they can continue to play for Pittsburgh.

Ahead of the 2023 season, Heyward had a streak going of being named a Pro Bowler or an All-Pro in six straight seasons. He had the best seasons of his career in the second half of his tenure in Pittsburgh, and he hopes to get back to that in 2024. Heyward didn't have much of a chance to have a successful year in 2023, as he suffered a groin injury in Week 1 and never seemed to get back to full health again during the season.

Heyward recorded just two sacks on the year, after getting to double-digits the two seasons before. He played in just 11 games, which was the lowest of his career since the 2016 season where he played in just seven. 

Entering his 13th season, Heyward is looking to turn things around. He went through some surgeries in the offseason, which seem to be paying off as he had an impressive training camp. If the defender is able to stay healthy throughout the 2024 season, he should be able to play well enough to earn a couple more years of donning the black and gold.

Steelers' Cam Heyward Is An Asset For Pittsburgh In The Locker Room

Heyward is one of the strongest leaders on the Steelers, and is a good mentor for a lot of the team's younger defenders. Pittsburgh drafted Keeanu Benton in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he looks like he will be a consistent contributor for Pittsburgh for many years to come. Having Heyward on the roster to mentor Benton and play alongside Benton could only be beneficial for the organization.

Benton is expected to take a big leap in his second season. He started just nine games in 2023, which will certainly change in 2024. The rookie got better as the season went along, and turned into one of the team's best run stuffers. The sky is the limit for the defensive line in 2024, barring any injuries.

What do you think about Wilson's comment? Should Heyward get another deal? Let us know in the comments below!

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