Veteran defensive end Cameron Heyward did not rejoin the Pittsburgh Steelers’ facility with a freshly signed contract. However, on June 4, he conveyed a message to his teammates.
While there are numerous reasons for Steelers fans to feel enthusiastic, Heyward emphasized to the media that excitement alone will not suffice unless the players maintain their hard work ethic.
Heyward expressed his thoughts to reporters regarding the team’s offseason, acknowledging the positive acquisitions but cautioning against being celebrated as champions on paper. He stressed that championships are not won in the offseason and that the real work takes place on the field, in classrooms, and during training sessions, with progress evaluated during training camp. Heyward emphasized the importance of assembling a cohesive and capable team on the field.
June 4 marked Heyward’s return to the team’s facility for offseason training after ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler had reported on May 15 that the seasoned defensive lineman had opted not to attend OTAs due to his contract status.
Having celebrated his 35th birthday in May, Heyward finds himself in the final year of his current contract arrangement.
Cameron Heyward Aims for Increased Playoff Success
Speculations about Heyward possibly retiring briefly surfaced this offseason, but he has decided to continue into his 14th NFL season.
Although striving for a Super Bowl victory remains the ultimate objective, Heyward recognizes that achieving more playoff success, or any at all, is the initial step.
When Heyward has played in postseason games, the Steelers hold a record of 1-7. The sole occasion the team progressed beyond the divisional round during Heyward’s tenure was when he was sidelined due to an injury.
Unlike the current Steelers team, which seems to be making significant offseason strides, the previous teams Heyward was part of did not necessarily excel in the offseason. Nevertheless, Heyward’s extensive experience has taught him that championship titles are not secured during the summer months.
If Heyward participates in a minimum of six games this season, he will join the ranks of just five other players in franchise history who have played in 200 regular-season games for the Steelers, with all five of them having won multiple championships.
Apart from Heyward, former linebacker David Little stands out as the sole defender in Steelers history to have played in at least 175 regular-season games without clinching a championship.
Heyward Discusses Contract Matters
Despite Heyward primarily focusing on the team and the upcoming season during his media interactions, much attention was directed towards his contract situation.
While avoiding specifying a particular monetary figure he seeks in a potential new contract, Heyward expressed his desire to play for three more years and outlined his expectations for a fresh deal.
“I aim to receive fair value for my position. I acknowledge the challenges I faced in the previous season, but I believe my capabilities have not diminished,” Heyward remarked. “Even at my peak performance, I consider myself among the top five players at my position. I contribute both in defending the run and the pass, bringing leadership to the team.”
Heyward is currently slated to carry a $22.4 million cap hit for the 2024 season. Given his health and productivity in 2023, it is debatable whether he justifies such a high financial commitment.
One plausible scenario for the Steelers could involve reducing Heyward’s cap hit through a contract extension that spans additional years. However, this approach would entail allocating more financial resources over an extended period to a defensive lineman who recently turned 35.
Ideally, the Steelers might prefer to observe Heyward’s health and performance during the 2024 season before engaging in contract negotiations. Nonetheless, the team is likely motivated to steer clear of any potential contract disputes with one of its defensive leaders.
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