Cam Heyward Gives Steelers Fans Detailed Update On His Future

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of important decisions to make about the future of the franchise. Everything from the next head coach, to the future of certain players on the roster is on the table. Ever since former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin decided to step down, it triggered a cascade that essentially led the Steelers to pushing the reset button on the organization. They'll need to take their time with searching for the next head coach, but once the new leader has been hired and built his staff, the franchise will need to pivot to making important decisions about players on the roster.

One of those players the team will need to make a decision on is defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. Heyward is under contract for the 2026 season, but despite having one more year on his contract, he'll be turning 37 in May, and there's plenty of questions surrounding whether he wants to keep playing for the Steelers or not with Tomlin gone.

On the latest episode of Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, Heyward himself talked about what his plans are for the future. Seeing as the end of the season is still fairly fresh in Heyward's mind, the comments he gives on his current plans aren't detailed, but he does let everyone know where his mind is at the moment.

"Back to where I'm at, I'm laying low right now," Heyward said. "I've been told, 'Don't make any emotional decisions,' I'm just shutting up and letting the process take care of itself. I just need to breathe a little bit. It's been a long season. And, you know, we'll see. This isn't something I'm going to rush, but I'll be ready either way."

Heyward's comments are understandable. With the season ending the way it did and subsequently learning about Tomlin's departure, this would be a lot to process for anyone. Unless the new Steelers coaching staff decides otherwise, Heyward will most likely play for the Steelers in 2026, barring a sudden change of heart from the front office.

Heyward proved this season that he still has the ability to be a game wrecker on the defensive front, especially in the final game of the regular season against the Baltimore Ravens. Heyward posted seven tackles in that game, five of those being solo tackles, and registered a quarterback hit in the game the Steelers won to ultimately win the AFC North. Heyward still has something left in the tank, and it would be more of a benefit to the Steelers to bring him back. Ultimately, the team will need to have these discussions upon hiring a new head coach and allowing them to assemble their staff. 

Heyward will likely not be the only player that gets brought up with regards to which direction the team wants to go under new leadership, but he'll definitely be one of the most important players discussed. Heyward brings a veteran presence to the Steelers' locker room that will be needed in a big way if the team decides to get younger at key positions, as the younger players will need a mentor to help shape their careers. Heyward is certainly the type of experienced veteran that can bring this stability and presence to a younger locker room, and could potentially help the new head coach find their footing upon being hired.

Regardless of the Steelers' choices however, Heyward is being patient and seems set on whatever course he decides to take.

Steelers Need To Make Heyward A Key Leader In 2026

Regardless of what the Steelers decide to do with their head-coaching search, keeping Heyward on the roster will be one of the more important tasks for the upcoming season. Heyward can be the leader the team needs going forward, and his experience with being under a coach like Tomlin will certainly be a huge benefit to the team's chemistry. 

What did you think about Heyward's comments on his future? Let us know in the comments below.

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