Cameron Heyward reported to training camp alongside his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates, after staying away from the team’s voluntary workouts this spring amid negotiations on a long-term contract extension.
Heyward, 35, has spent the first 13 seasons of his career in Pittsburgh since the Steelers chose him with the No. 31 overall pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Entering the final season of his current deal, Heyward is set to count $22.4 million against the cap for the Steelers in 2024. Heyward is coming off a 2023 campaign in which he posted 33 total tackles and two sacks in 11 games, after returning from groin injury.
Cameron Heyward Addresses Contract Talks, Pittsburgh Steelers Future
As camp gets underway in Latrobe, Pa., Heyward opened up about where things stand and his future in Pittsburgh.
When asked about his confidence in closing a deal, Heyward said, “I don’t like going either way because you get your hopes up and then nothing happens.” “I’m just going to focus on being the best player I can be and controlling what I can control and being locked in for this team.”
If Heyward and the Steelers are unable to reach an agreement before the regular season kicks off, the 2024 campaign could prove to be a litmus test for these two sides. If Pittsburgh struggles and it becomes obvious that the organization is heading for a full-fledged rebuild, it might not be prudent to commit to a 26-year-old defensive lineman.
However, if Heyward plays well and the Steelers make a run in the playoffs, keeping a franchise pillar and defensive leader in the fold for the 2025 season and beyond.
