The Pittsburgh Steelers have had no shortage of entertaining offseason headlines. Between the anticipation surrounding the quarterback position and curiosity around the wide receiver room, there is a lot to talk about. But one topic that has stayed at the tip of fans' tongues is a possible contract extension for beloved defensive tackle, Cameron Heyward.
Heyward has been the heartbeat of a strong Steelers defense since they drafted him in 2011. Now, on the eve of another season, fresh faces are joining familiar ones at the team's facility, but the one missing face is that of the longtime captain. Heyward is entering the 2024 season on the final year of his contract and hopes to ink at least a two-year extension that keeps him in the city he calls home for the remainder of his career.
Longtime Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly from The Athletic, joined 93.7 The Fan's Morning Show to discuss recent OTAs. Kaboly was asked what he thinks is the most likely timetable for the Heyward deal.
"The first timeline would be mandatory minicamp. Does he show up for that? That's in three weeks, I believe. I mean, you can get fined for not showing up for that because he's under contract. That'd be interesting to see if he shows up for that. Now, maybe he does, and maybe he doesn't."
Kaboly stated that Heyward is just trying to secure his future, but many people are against paying a 35-year-old decent money. The issue, according to Kaboly, is a lack of comparable players. There just haven't been that many defensive linemen who've played at a relatively high level into their mid-to-late 30s.
Heyward is the Steelers' oldest defensive player, but new quarterback Russell Wilson has saved him from the dubious honor of being the oldest overall by a few months. Kaboly defended Heyward's abilities, despite his age, while on air.
"I just don't understand why people think that all of a sudden he stinks because he had an injury. This guy was a dominant player for his entire career. I think he still has the ability to be the star guy."
The question is what that amount is. What figure makes both sides feel comfortable? Kaboly said that Heyward wants security past this year. He has repeatedly said he is not ready to retire, and according to Kaboly, he has shown on the field that he still has what it takes.
The Steelers don't want to be left looking foolish by paying a 35 or 36-year-old defender "Chris Jones-type money," said Kaboly. They have to agree, but Kaboly is confident it will happen.
"It will happen, maybe training camp, maybe tomorrow, who knows. But I think they will not go into this season without Cam Heyward at least extended or guaranteed past this year."
Heyward and the Steelers have just over two weeks before mandatory minicamp opens on June 11th. It is not uncommon for players to hold in or hold out of camp when trying to resolve a contract situation. It appears both sides have the same end goal. They have to find the road that gets them both there.
Steelers' Cameron Heyward Annoyed With Some Fans
Heyward has been quite vocal during his podcast, Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, that he is sick of fans and members of the media chiming in about his contract situation. From his perspective, it isn't any of their business what he and the team decide.
That, coupled with criticism regarding his more recent injuries and gameplay during the past two seasons, has him taking screenshots. Heyward said that he sees all the negative messages and is ready to prove all the haters wrong.
