Steelers' Cam Heyward Received A Warning About Signing An Extension In Pittsburgh From Connor Heyward
The Pittsburgh Steelers had some decisions to make entering the 2024 season. They had a conundrum at the quarterback position between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the organization had to decide on the fifth-year option of running back Najee Harris, and whether or not to give contract extensions to Pat Freiermuth and Cam Heyward. General Manager Omar Khan decided to decline Harris' fifth-year option while extending both Freiermuth and Heyward, which was a bit criticized at the time.
Heyward was entering the final year of his contract during the 2024 season, and he stated his desire for a new deal during the offseason. The veteran held out for a bit of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), but eventually showed up to limit the drama. Heyward ended up signing a two-year extension with Pittsburgh. His contract for the 2024 season was re-worked and two years were added, giving the veteran exactly what he wanted.
Heyward's brother, Connor Heyward, is also on the Steelers. He is a tight end, special teamer, and H-back. He is playing on his rookie contract, but he was obviously in contact with his brother while the negotiations were going on. Connor spoke to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, and he told him that he warned Cam not to sign a new deal before the 2024 season.
"Before the season, I told him, 'Don't even sign a contract, honestly,'" Connor said. "Bet on yourself."
There was some skepticism surrounding Cam entering the 2024 season. He dealt with injuries throughout the 2023 season after hurting his groin during Pittsburgh's Week 1 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Cam had one of his worst seasons in 2023, appearing in just 11 games and having low production. Due to his age and recent injury history, many fans were not happy about the extension.
The extension wound up being the right move for the organization, and Cam probably should have listened to his little brother. Had he not signed the new deal with Pittsburgh, he would be a free agent after the 2024 season comes to a close, and he would likely be due some big money either in Pittsburgh or elsewhere.
The veteran defensive lineman has bounced back remarkably from his down year. He started all 17 games during the regular season and recorded eight sacks and 71 total tackles, which are both high numbers for an interior defensive lineman. He has also recorded 12 tackles for loss and 11 passes defended, which perfectly displays just how versatile he is.
The defender certainly could have listened to his brother and signed for more money after the 2024 season. Had he known he would have such an incredible season, maybe he would have. However, Cam is important to Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh is important to him. He has always wanted to be a one-helmet guy that stays with the Steelers throughout his entire career, and now he has a good chance to do that with his new deal.
Steelers' Cam Heyward Dealing With A Sickness Ahead Of Wild Card Round
Cam played through a sickness during Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and it hasn't quite gone away yet. He missed the first two days of practice this week due to the illness, but he should be good by game time on Saturday night. Cam is not necessarily a player that needs to practice. He has enough experience, especially against an AFC North rival like the Baltimore Ravens.
The veteran defender will be looking for his first playoff win since the 2016 season on Saturday, and if he is able to take down Baltimore he will be one step closer to the Super Bowl he has been chasing throughout his career.
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