Through the first two weeks of their offseason workout program, there was a notable absence among Pittsburgh Steelers players. That changed on Tuesday when three-time first-team All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward returned to the Steelers' facility amid questions about his future with the team.
Heyward reported to voluntary OTAs on Tuesday, per Gerry Dulac, a sign that the 35-year-old won't hold out for a new contract when the Steelers open mandatory minicamp on June 11.
Heyward is entering the final year of a four-year extension he signed with the Steelers in 2020. Although he's typically in attendance for all offseason workouts, Heyward skipped OTAs for two weeks as he seeks a new contract with Pittsburgh.
The 13-year veteran is adamant that he wants to finish his career with the Steelers but has no plans to retire after the 2024 season. That puts both sides in a tricky situation given Heyward's age and decline in play last season.
Heyward missed six games in 2023 due to a groin injury that required surgery. He shattered his expected recovery time to play in the Steelers' final 10 games but did not make nearly the impact he did in previous years.
In 11 games, Heyward recorded 33 tackles, two sacks and six tackles for loss. That sack total marked his lowest since 2012, his second NFL season.
The injury-marred season snapped a streak of six consecutive Pro Bowl selections for Heyward, and there seems to be some doubt that he can return to that caliber of a player this year and beyond.
Cam Heyward not ruling out a ‘hold in'
Although a holdout seems unlikely, Heyward did not rule out ‘holding in' during the summer when he spoke to reporters on Tuesday. He did participate in drills on his first day back with the Steelers but mentioned that he hadn’t thought much about showing up but skipping workouts.
Heyward wouldn’t be the first player to report to camp to avoid fines but choose not to participate. Based on his comments on Tuesday, he still believes he's a valuable player for the Steelers and wants to be treated as such.
“I want to be valued at my position. I understand I came off a rough season, but I don’t think it’s a step down of where I can play,” Heyward said, per Steelers Depot. “When I’m at the top of my game, I’m still a top-five player at my position. I play the run and the pass. I bring leadership.”
Heyward was a Steelers captain for the last nine seasons and there's no reason to believe he won’t be again in 2024. Contract negotiations aside, Heyward wants to be on the field wearing a Steelers uniform.
It wouldn’t be far-fetched to see the Steelers stand firm on their offer to Heyward and make 2024 a prove-it year for the veteran. Understandably, he wants a new deal done before the season kicks off at the risk that his decline continues. The same can be said for Pittsburgh, who surely don’t want to pay close to top dollar for a player potentially well past his prime.
The Steelers value Cam Heyward and he is a virtual lock to be inducted into their Hall of Honor after his career. His time in Pittsburgh could end sooner than he hoped though, with 2024 potentially serving as his swan song season.
Follow Us
Subscribe
