The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot to work through in the 2026 offseason. They tried to load the team up with aging veterans in 2025, and with how that didn't pan out, there is a strong likelihood of another large retool in an attempt to bring in younger, faster guys and build for the future. There is talent on the team, but they still need to grow from within. Some of the veterans that are sticking around could help out with that, especially any of the team captains.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5635-544x306.jpg "Steelers TJ Watt Cameron Heyward Alex Highsmith")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: JSKO_PHOTO)
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense, featuring TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward, at training camp in 2023.
However, there was a sense of fear among the fans, as defensive tackle Cameron Heyward put out a cryptic post on X recently of a book being shut. Many people took it as his NFL career was done, or maybe his time in Pittsburgh had come to a close. Losing a star player like him at a key position would be very hard to recover from.
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) February 8, 2026
On his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, he explained what he actually meant by that post. With this message being out there, fans can calm down.
"We're going to close the book on the season," Heyward said. "I closed the book on this season as well... I had to do stuff on Super Bowl day."
Heyward's career is not coming to a close, but with the Seattle Seahawks defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, there is nothing left to look forward to for the 2025-2026 NFL campaign. The last chapter of the season has been written, which means it's time to work on writing a new story. Specifically, this one will entail the adventures of the 2026-2027 season, with the new league year beginning in March.
YouTube: The Rich Eisen Show
Steelers' Cam Heyward speaking to Rich Eisen during Radio Row ahead of Super Bowl LX.
Heyward may be old for an NFL player, let alone a defensive tackle, but that doesn't mean he can't be a bit of an internet troll. He got plenty of engagement on his post, which may have led to him making a bit of money off of it. His co-host, Hayden Walsh, brought that up as well, to which the Steelers' team captain denied that was his intention. In the end, he most likely knew what he was doing by posting that gif.
Many other reports, including some things that Heyward has said, have indicated that he will return to Pittsburgh for the 2026 season. At his age, along with his expiring contract, this could end up being his final season. Whether it is or not, he has had an absolutely great career. His lack of a Super Bowl ring may hurt his case, but there will be conversations about if he should be in the Hall of Fame or not.
Steelers May Get Ugly Side Of Heyward Again
In the previous two offseasons, Heyward spent some time refusing to practice until he and the team could agree on contract terms. With one year left on his deal, there is a chance that he goes back to the front office and demands either a salary raise and/or an extension. If he plays like he has the previous two seasons, he could earn himself another year on the team after he closes the book on 2026.
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Cam Heyward puts his arm around Team President Art Rooney II.
Heyward has been voted to the All-Pro teams in each of his previous two seasons. He was a First Team All-Pro selection in 2024 and a Second Team selection in 2025. Even at this stage of his career, many executives and experts still hold him in a very high regard. He could easily use that to his advantage in negotiations if he opts to try and get himself a little more cash in his pocket for the future.
What do you think about Heyward explaining his cryptic post? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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