The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads with veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward. After a 2023 season marred by injury and frustration, Heyward held out of most of the team's 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs), as he sought a contract extension. Heyward attended the final part of Pittsburgh's OTAs and the mandatory minicamp, though his future in the Steel City still seems uncertain. Despite the contract and holdout, Heyward made it clear that he has no desire to play anywhere else.
When the 2024 campaign begins, Heyward will be playing in his 14th NFL season, all with the Steelers. Despite being over the age of 35, Heyward put together two of his best seasons in 2021 and 2022 before 2023 ended up being less than stellar for both Heyward and the Steelers. Amidst all the contract questions, Heyward took to Twitter/X account to show how determined he is to remain a part of the Steelers for the rest of his time in the league.
Not only has Heyward's future in Pittsburgh been questioned ever since the contract situation emerged, but there have been whispers of the veteran defender taking his talents to the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns. The mere thought of a beloved player like Heyward wearing Browns colors is enough to make any Steelers fan infuriated, but on Twitter/X, Heyward responded to one user who brought up the rumors claiming that Heyward was heading to Cleveland.
The idea that Heyward was seriously considering the Browns was far-fetched anyway, but Heyward putting it to rest was an important clarification for the defensive lineman to make. It is one thing for the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner to want financial security and a guarantee heading into the final years of his career, but it would have been something else entirely for Heyward to switch within the division.
The combination of Heyward's age and the missed time at the beginning of the 2023 season created a situation that seemed much worse than it actually was. Nothing about the Steelers' 2023 campaign lived up to the remarkable hype sparked during the 2023 preseason, and Heyward's absence revealed a concerning weakness on the defensive line.
If Heyward is truly back to his old self, meaning the dominant interior force that tallied 20.5 sacks during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, his request for an extension could be a small exchange for peace of mind in the defensive trenches. With a 2024 season that will include a brand new offense under Arthur Smith, a new starting quarterback, an upgraded, young offensive line, and a deciding year for George Pickens, the more reliable the defense is, the better.
Steelers Need Heyward In 2024
Ever since Omar Khan and Andy Weidl began leaving their fingerprints on Pittsburgh's roster, the improvement in the trenches has been considerable. The Steelers invested heavily in the offensive line during the 2023 and 2024 offseason, constructing a bruising, formidable group that can clear the way for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The defensive line, on the other hand, is an area where the Steelers have reason for concern heading into 2024.
One of Heyward's bargaining chips regarding his contract extension is the fact that there isn't anyone who can stabilize the defensive front like he can. DeMarvin Leal was supposed to be someone who would eventually fill Heyward's role, but a lackluster 2023 that included some healthy scratches has quieted those hopes. While Keeanu Benton rewarded the Steelers with a solid 2023 rookie season after being drafted by the organization, one impressive year is hardly enough for Pittsburgh to feel comfortable in a future that doesn't include Heyward.
There are more experienced defensive linemen in the wings who can also make an impact, such as Larry Ogunjobi, Montravius Adams and Dean Lowry, but no one other than Heyward brings the same consistency on the field, not to mention in the locker room. If the Steelers want 2024 to be a genuine step forward, they need Heyward and the supporting cast to buy in and help the team get back to competing for championships again.
