Breaking: After three years of signing, DT Cam Heyward of the Steelers has finally been awarded a prospective contract worth $16 million in 2024.

Despite being 35 years old and approaching the end of his contract, Cam Heyward has no intention of retiring.

Rather, he’s considering signing a new contract and continuing to play for three more seasons.

According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo, Heyward missed the first two weeks of OTAs due to his contract situation. However, he returned on Tuesday. Even if there is still a gap that has to be filled, the defensive lineman stated that he intends to play for the next three seasons and that he is in talks to sign a new contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“There’s been communication, but there’s nothing to really report on now,” Heyward stated. “There’s communication, but I doubt a deal gets done tomorrow—I’ll tell you that. Let’s see where it leads.

For the Steelers in particular, it is a challenging negotiation because the Ohio State product has led the team’s defense for the entirety of his career, which began in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft.

He did, however, have a season cut short by injuries, missing six games due to a groin setback that necessitated surgery. After the season, he had more surgery on his groin, though he claimed it “feels great” now.He concluded the season with 33 tackles and two sacks due to injuries, which was surprising considering that in 2022 he had recorded 74 tackles and 10.5 sacks as a Pro Bowler. In addition to six Pro Bowl accolades and three First-Team All-Pro selections, his résumé lists 80.5 career sacks.

Heyward’s base salary of $16 million in 2024 will be the most of any defensive tackle in the NFL, only surpassed by Tennessee Titans’ Jeffery Simmons ($16.5 million). However, Heyward’s attention is also on the next deal rather than his present one.

“I want to be here,” he declared. “What we determine is the value. In my opinion, I want to be respected in my role. Though I realize it was a difficult season for me, I don’t believe it lowers my game. I’m still performing at my best. At my position, I’m still among the top five players. I play both passing and running. I provide the leadership. I don’t take it lightly.”

Three years is not a significant long-term commitment, but it is also not a short one. The Steelers will now need to balance the production that Heyward has always brought when healthy with his age and potential injury concerns at this point in his career. It wouldn’t be surprising if the negotiations drag well into the offseason as both sides make their cases.