The Pittsburgh Steelers have many veterans on the defensive side of the ball. They have built a dominant defense behind the likes of TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. However, there is another important piece on the defensive line, Cam Heyward. The team picked him in the first round way back in 2011, and he has been one of the most consistent defenders in the NFL. According to sources, the Steelers are attempting to extend Heyward so he can end his career in Pittsburgh.
Rumor: Pittsburgh Steelers Looking To Extend Cam Heyward
Alan Saunders of SteelersNow reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers have begun talks with Cam Heyward about an extension. Many wondered whether the 35-year-old veteran would make 2024 his last year, but he seemed determined to play for a little longer.
“We’ve talked about an extension,” Heyward said. “We’ll see what happens. My goal is to play two or three more years.”
His resume speaks for itself. Heyward has gone to the Pro Bowl six times and been first-team All-Pro three times. Cam Heyward has gotten better as his career has gone on. His latest All-Pro season was back in 2021, and he made it to the Pro Bowl in 2022. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, he brings more than just stats. His leadership is a huge asset, and he is heavily involved in the community. Last season, he was the Walter Payton Man of the Year. While his production may start to decline, his leadership will be invaluable.
Can They Afford To Extend Him?
Cam Heyward made it clear that he wanted to play with the Pittsburgh Steelers but left the door open to play elsewhere. “We’ll see what happens. I’d like it to be here, but my goal is to play. So we’ll see,” Heyward said. The Steelers will likely do everything they can to keep him. In this day and age of player movement, it is rare to have a player stick with one team for their entire career. Heyward is likely a future Hall of Famer, and the Steelers would love to be his only team.
However, the Steelers have lots of players to pay. If he thinks he can get a better deal on the open market, it may cause him to leave the team. This is an extension to watch for this offseason. While it may not grab the top headline of the day, Cam Heyward is an important player for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Will the two sides be able to come to an agreement?
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Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. It does not matter what sport he is talking about; he tends to be an expert in it. When he is not glued to following sports, he is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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