Cameron Heyward Not Optimistic About Getting A Deal Done
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is entering the final year of his current deal, and if he doesn't sign by the organization's self-imposed Sept. 8 deadline, the most-tenured player on the roster will hit free agency next year for the first time in his storied 14-year career. Pittsburgh wants to keep the 35-year-old, but he's coming off an injury-plagued year, and they'd rather address his contract in the offseason. Heyward wants more security and said he wants to play for three more years. He didn't show up for a portion of offseason workouts but returned for the final week of OTAs and minicamp. Heyward isn't optimistic a deal will get done, but he's been in a similar position before eventually signing before the season. He's coming off two groin surgeries over five months and is a shell of his former self as a pass-rusher.
Cameron Heyward Wants To Retire A Pittsburgh Steeler
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward doesn't want to play for another team before he hangs up his cleats for good. "The goal is to be a steeler for the rest of my career," Heyward wrote in a social media post on Sunday. The 35-year-old has spent his last 13 seasons with the Steelers since the team drafted him in 2011. He finished last season by amassing only two sacks, 8.5 fewer than the 2023-24 campaign. But Heyward appeared in just 11 games after suffering a groin injury during training camp, so he should bounce back if he stays healthy. With that said, Heyward wants to play for three more seasons before calling it quits, although it appears he's not looking to play at a discounted rate.
Cameron Heyward Plans To Hold Out As He Seeks Extension
Pittsburgh Steelers six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Cameron Heyward hasn't attended the team's voluntary offseason workouts and doesn't plan to attend organized team activities as he seeks a contract extension, according to sources. Heyward is a long-time team captain who has never missed an offseason program. The 35-year-old former 31st overall pick by the Steelers in 2011 out of Ohio State is entering the final year of his four-year, $65 million deal. The 35-year-old has obviously been one of the faces of the franchises for a long time now, but he played in only 11 games due to a core injury in 2023 and finished with just 33 tackles (25 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss and a pass defended. Contract issues aside, Heyward is expected to be a full-go for the start of training camp and the 2024 regular season. He has 80.5 career sacks and could be streamer in IDP leagues in good matchups if he's healthy in 2024.
Cameron Heyward Expected To Be Healthy For Training Camp
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (groin) had a cleanup procedure this offseason to help fix a lingering issue with his groin and core-muscle surgery from in-season, but head coach Mike Tomlin doesn't think Heyward's recovery would linger into the training programs this offseason. "I'm not anticipating it to be a factor by the time we get to training camp," Tomlin said. The 34-year-old veteran should have missed 12 weeks last year after his initial surgery, but he powered back quicker than that. He also dealt with a knee issue that kept him from practicing fully throughout almost the entire season. The six-time Pro Bowler could bounce back in IDP fantasy leagues in 2024 if he's completely healthy. Heyward had only two sacks in 11 starts in 2023 but recorded 20.5 sacks the previous two seasons combined.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (undisclosed) recently posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed with the caption, "Surgery done finally! Ready to get back to feeling good!" It's unclear what procedure the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year underwent, but he missed six games while on Injured Reserve with a groin injury in 2023. The 34-year-old is a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro selection, so his status and health heading into 2024 is a key development for the Steelers, who have failed to win a playoff game since 2016. Injuries to key players have been a constant in recent seasons.
Cameron Heyward Named Walter Payton Man Of The Year
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive co-captain Cameron Heyward was named the NFL's 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year on Thursday. The award was established in 1970 and is considered the league's most prestigious honor as it recognizes NFL players who excel on the field and also demonstrate a meaningful impact in their community. He created The Heyward House in 2014, a program that benefits underprivileged children and their families through a variety of programs, with an emphasis on fighting hunger, combating cancer, encouraging childhood literacy and providing support for students and teachers. On the field, Heyward has been a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro. The 34-year-old veteran pass-rusher only played in 11 games in 2023 and had 33 tackles (25 solo) and two sacks for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward scoffed at retirement rumors. He also made it clear he won't accept a pay cut. The veteran has had a remarkable career with the Steelers, his only team since entering the league. He's appeared in 194 regular season games with Pittsburgh, totaling 647 tackles while amassing 80.5 sacks. The 34-year-old also has six Pro Bowl appearances on his resume and is a three-time first-team All-Pro. But Heyward struggled during the 2023-24 campaign, primarily due to a groin injury, and finished with two sacks and a career-low three quarterback hits. At any rate, it appears Heyward is motivated to remain a formidable presence on the defensive side of the ball, so he could have plenty to offer IDP managers next season as long as he stays on the field, regardless of whether he remains in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward returned from a groin injury and made four solo tackles and two assists in his first game back since Week 1. Heyward is one of the most valuable defensive linemen in deeper leagues that require defensive tackles in the lineup. He has been one of the most productive pass rushers from the interior, as he has made over 70 tackles and 10 or more sacks in each of the past two seasons. Although he did not make a sack or an impact play in Week 9, he did tie for the team lead in solo tackles.
Cameron Heyward Activated From Injured Reserve, Will Play On TNF
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (groin) has been activated from Injured Reserve and will play on Thursday Night Football. The six-time Pro Bowler has been on IR since suffering a groin injury back in Week 1, so he will be a welcome addition to the Steelers' defense against rookie quarterback Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans. Pittsburgh is missing safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring), but they should be able to generate a lot of pressure up front between T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Heyward. They make for an intriguing D/ST streamer in Week 9.
Cameron Heyward A Full Practice Participant On Tuesday
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (groin) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice. Heyward, who is on IR with a groin injury, had his 21-day practice window opened up last week so he's trending in the right direction with a full practice on Tuesday. The Steelers play on TNF against the Tennessee Titans so Heyward has a real shot to suit up for that contest. His return would provide a major boost to the Steelers' defense, especially after Titans rookie QB Will Levis looked sharp in his NFL debut in Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons.
