The Pittsburgh Steelers were hesitant to give perennial star defensive lineman Cameron Heyward a new contract extension before the 2024 season was underway. Skipping two weeks Organized Team Activities in protest before participating in training camp, Heyward was visibly frustrated with the front office. The Steelers were unsure about extending Heyward considering his age, 35, and the fact that he only played 11 games in 2023 due to a significant groin injury. Luckily, the two parties agreed on a three-year deal worth $45 million, and to this point, it has totally paid off for the black and gold.
Just days before Week 1 in Atlanta, the Steelers finally assured Steeler Nation that the six-time Pro Bowler and reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year winner would likely finish his career in Pittsburgh. As mentioned previously, it was a risky move extending Heyward considering he's coming off of a big-time surgery at 35 years old. Nonetheless, through the first four weeks of the season, Heyward has performed extraordinarily well and has led the Steelers to an elite-level defense.
According to Pro Football Focus, Heyward has an impressive defense grade of 90.2, which leads all interior linemen. That puts him ahead of stars like Dexter Lawrence and Chris Jones, whom are considered the league’s best. Jones is earning nearly twice as much annually from the Kansas City Chiefs compared to Heyward and the Steelers. Heyward sits as the NFL's best run defender and seventh best against the pass. Surprisingly, ahead of Heyward who is third in the league against the pass is second year teammate Keeanu Benton.
Heyward's PFF grade of 90.2 is the third best he's had in his entire 14-year career. His only better two seasons came in 2019 and 2021, when he had a career high in tackles with 83 and 89. Regardless if the fan base thought the Steelers should extend him, Heyward is making a statement this season. At 35 years old, Heyward is still playing at a high level with the best of the best. During the 2024 offseason, Heyward told the media that he still believes he's one of the best in the NFL, and so far, he's kept his word.
Despite its last outing in Week 4, the defense behind Heyward and TJ Watt has been dominant. Pittsburgh is fourth in total yards allowed and second in points allowed by opposing teams. Heyward has 17 tackles and is second on the team in sacks with two, behind Watt with three. Heyward is making a huge statement to those who doubted him, and it looks like he's in store for a memorable season.
Steelers Have Emerging Defender Learning Greatness From Heyward
Along with Heyward, Benton has started off strong on the defensive line in his second career season. Though he hasn't tallied any sacks yet, Benton has been a great pass rusher for Pittsburgh's defense. Heyward and Benton's presence up the middle is a huge problem for offensive lines that also have to worry about Watt and the other edge rushers.
Benton has a great opportunity to learn from Heyward to become his successor in the future. Heyward is in the midst of his 14th season, and it would be awesome to have Benton do what Heyward has done for their organization.
With Heyward's extension, it's more than likely he'll retire as a Steeler. What do you think of Heyward's performance through the first four games of 2024? Did the front office nail it by extending him? Could Benton fill his role down the road?
