Steelers' Cam Heyward Receives Crazy Disrespect From Executives Around The League

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had one of the best defenses in the NFL over the last five seasons or so, and a big reason for that is defensive tackle Cam Heyward. Heyward is longest-tenured player on the team, and he was the organization's first-round selection back in 2011. He is 36 years old as he prepares to enter his 15th season in the NFL, and he is certainly on a path to being enshrined in Canton for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was named a First Team All-Pro in 2024, and it is clear he can still be one of the best players at his position in the NFL.

Heyward struggled with injuries during the 2023 season, and he had one of his worst campaigns since entering the league. Many fans questioned whether or not he would be able to return to form in 2024, which was heightened by the veteran asking for a contract extension during the 2024 offseason. He got the new deal, and he proved that he deserved it with his play in 2024. He tallied eight sacks, 71 tackles, and 11 pass break ups throughout the year, which earned him an All-Pro bid. 

ESPN NFL insider, Jeremy Fowler, recently spoke to coaches and executives around the league to get a gauge on who the top defensive tackles in the NFL were heading into the 2025 season. Heyward was mentioned, but not nearly as high as he should have been as he was ranked 10th on this list.

"Heyward fueled his own Steeler legend with an age-35 performance that included a First Team All-Pro berth," Fowler wrote. "Fighting off inevitable decline, Heyward produced 8 sacks, 20 quarterback hits and a league-high 8 batted passes. The difference from a down 2023 campaign was simple. 'He was healthier,' an AFC executive said. 'Got past the nagging injuries from 2023 and performed back up to his standard. He's been good for a long time.' Opposing quarterbacks posted a 1.0 QBR on dropbacks when Heyward applied the first pressure. Translation: When he got deep into the backfield, he made the play, forcing 17 incompletions on the year."

There is no denying that Heyward is still extremely productive, despite his age. Being ranked 10th is completely unacceptable, although it was coming from executives and coaches. His accolades last season solidify the fact that he was one of the three best players at his position. It was him, Chris Jones, and Dexter Lawrence, who are both at the top of the list for 2025.

Lawrence was at the very top, while Jones was in second, and Jalen Carter was in third. It is understandable is some coaches or executives are doubting Heyward because of his age, but he just proved that he is still one of the best in the NFL just a season ago. He is the oldest player on the list, but his experience and accomplishments need to be respected a bit more, especially since Fowler stated the top of the list was essentially unanimous.

"Several themes emerged from this year's defensive tackle race," Fowler wrote. "The top tier is clear-cut: It's three players, then a sizable drop-off."

Heyward is known to keep receipts on those who have disrespected him in the past, which is something he did while he was going through his contract situation during the 2024 offseason. He will almost certainly be using this list as motivation heading into 2025.

Steelers' Cam Heyward Should Have More Help In 2025

Pittsburgh focused heavily on upgrading the rest of the defensive line during the 2025 offseason, while also injecting some youth into the group. The franchise selected Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he is known for his ability to produce pressure in the passing game. 

This should make Heyward's job a little bit easier, and it could even lead to some more sacks for the veteran.

What do you think about the list from ESPN? Let us know in the comments below!

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