Cameron Heyward, a seasoned defensive end, did not show up at the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp with a new contract. On June 4, nevertheless, he did have a message for his comrades.
Steelers supporters have a lot to be happy about. However, Heyward cautioned the press that until the players keep working, the euphoria will be for naught.
When questioned about the team’s offseason, Heyward responded, “I think they are all good acquisitions,” to reporters. However, you never want to be recognized as a paper champion. Win-less is the off-season.
I believe that work is accomplished in this field. In the classroom, it is completed. After training is completed, you can assess your position inside the training camp. You expand upon that.
“I believe the men in the building are the appropriate ones. It just comes down to fielding a full squad.
Heyward returned to the team’s facility for summer workouts on June 4. The veteran defensive lineman reportedly planned not “to attend OTAs” due to his contract problems, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN on May 15.
This offseason, there were brief whispers that Heyward would take a retirement break. Rather, he’ll be starting his 14th NFL season.
The Super Bowl is, of course, the ultimate objective. But winning more playoff games—or any games at all—is the first step.
Heyward has a 1-7 record in postseason play for the Steelers. Heyward was injured the one and only time in his career that the team made it past the divisional round.
Those teams didn’t necessarily “win the offseason” like this year’s Steelers squad appears to be doing. But Heyward has been around long enough and experienced enough heartache in January to understand that champions aren’t crowned over the summer.
If Heyward dresses for at least six games this season, he will become the sixth player in franchise history to play in 200 regular season games for the Steelers. The five players who have already reached that milestone for Pittsburgh all won multiple championships
The only other defender in Steelers history to play at least 175 games during the regular season without winning a championship is former linebacker David Little.
Heyward Discusses the Contract Issue
Heyward fielded a lot of questions regarding his contract, despite appearing to be focused on the club and the upcoming season when speaking with the media.
Heyward did not state in a new deal how much money he wanted. But he stated that he wants to play for three more years and listed the additional things he wants in a new contract.
“I want my position to be respected. Heyward remarked, “I know I had a difficult season, but I don’t think it’s a step below where I can play. “Even at my best, I rank among the top five players in my position.
I play both passing and running. I offer leadership.
Heyward’s 2024 salary is projected to be a $22.4 million cap hit. He is not worth that much money given his health and output in 2023.
In exchange for Heyward signing a longer contract, the Steelers might reduce that cap charge. However, the organization would be spending more money on a defensive lineman who just turned 35 over a longer period of time.
In a perfect scenario, the Steelers wouldn’t mind giving Heyward a contract extension until they’ve seen if he can maintain his health in 2024. However, the squad also probably wants to stay clear of a sticky contract dispute with one of its defensive leaders.
