The 2024 offseason was tumultuous for Cameron Heyward, who was vocal about his desire for an extension on his remaining deal. With days remaining before Pittsburgh plays the first game of its 2024 regular season, the Steelers signed Heyward to a new three-year contract that could keep him with the franchise through 2026.
Heyward’s New Deal Finally Done
Heyward is entering his 14th NFL season in 2024, all spent with the Steelers. On Tuesday, Pittsburgh and Heyward finally came to an agreement with the team, announcing a new three-year, $45 million contract. The move actually ended up saving the Steelers $9 million in 2024 because the $16 million Heyward was due this season became a signing bonus and represented the guaranteed portion of the deal.
Despite Heyward being quite direct about wanting a new deal, including a hold-in during Pittsburgh’s 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs), when training camp began, it was all business for the veteran defender. An excellent preseason for the Steelers defense and having Heyward’s contract in the rearview mirror should shift the focus entirely onto achieving Pittsburgh’s first postseason victory since 2016.
Pittsburgh Is Expecting More In 2024
The Steelers’ 2023 season was a frustrating debacle in nearly every aspect, one of which was Heyward’s struggle with injuries. After six consecutive seasons where the defensive lineman made the Pro Bowl (2017-2022), an early groin injury and two surgeries had many wary about offering Heyward a lucrative contract. Things got ugly as the 2024 offseason continued, with Heyward even joking about going to the Cleveland Browns at one point.
Heyward’s age contributed to the concern over his injuries, with some even labeling him as injury-prone despite being one of the more reliable defensive players on the team for nearly a decade. If not for the injury-hampered 2023 campaign, Heyward’s request for a new contract may not have been seen in the worrying light in which it was often cast. The Steelers will enter the 2024 season with one of the more exciting defensive front seven in a long time, and ensuring Heyward can be a part of that growth was a priority to the team.
Final Thoughts
Heyward’s new contract was one of those rare occasions where the team and the player walked away happy. The Steelers locked down one of their longtime players, and Heyward got the acknowledgment he was looking for and the financial compensation he felt he deserved. With recently-hired offensive coordinator Arthur Smith rolling out a brand new strategy, Pittsburgh’s defense will need to be the foundation of the squad if the franchise hopes to get back to the elite level of the NFL. Heyward’s veteran experience should be a huge positive to a young, talented group eager to prove what they are capable of in 2024.
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