Pittsburgh — On Tuesday, Cam Heyward went back to work and took part in the first practice of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ third week of structured team activities.
But don’t mistake the veteran defensive tackle’s appearance for any kind of indication that a new contract is almost finalized.
The six-time Pro Bowler, who is nearing the end of his current contract, unexpectedly skipped the first two weeks of the optional amateur tryout process (OTAs) before turning up at the team’s practice facility on Tuesday morning.
Despite saying he and the Steelers have communicated frequently during the offseason, Heyward, 35, doesn’t think a contract is imminent.
Heyward stated, “All I know is I want to be here, but we’ll see what happens. I plan to be at the required minicamp next week and to be on time for Saint Vincent College’s training camp in late July. “This year is my last one here.” Although my career has been fantastic here, I’m excited to play next year.
Heyward’s 2023 campaign on the field was disappointing. His groin injury sustained in the opening game versus San Francisco caused him to miss six games. After having the problem surgically fixed, he didn’t return to normal; he ended the season with just two sacks, the fewest since he started playing regularly ten years prior.
But things were different off the field. Heyward’s charity endeavors earned him the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in the previous season.
The three-time All-Pro is expected to make $16 million this season with a cap cost of more than $22 million. He had a second groin operation in the offseason to address a problem that arose because he was “overcompensating” to deal with the first ailment. He made it clear at the end of the previous season that he wasn’t interested in taking a wage cut, and he now feels like he can play for at least three more.
I believe that when I’m performing at my best, I’m still one of the best players in my position, I play the run, and I provide leadership, all of which I value highly,” Heyward remarked.
Heyward acknowledged that it’s uncommon for defensive lineman in their mid-30s to land big multi-year contracts, but he doesn’t think it should be a worry.
He remarked, “I look at it this way: I’m not looking to be like anybody else.” “I play a different style of game than anyone else in this league.”
Heyward returned to a club that was drastically different from the one that fell short against Buffalo in the opening round of the playoffs in January at several positions, including quarterback. The Steelers acquired quarterback Justin Fields in a trade, and they also signed free agents Russell Wilson and inside linebacker Patrick Queen. While referring to them as “good acquisitions,” Heyward does not want Pittsburgh to become the “paper champions.”
Since the 2016 postseason, the team has not triumphed in a postseason game.
“We have a good team, and I want to play at a high level and go deep in the playoffs,” he declared. “I’m going to try my best to be prepared for every scenario that may arise.”
