Steelers veteran defensive deal with Cameron Heyward is searching for a contract extension heading into the ultimate yr of his present deal.
The six-time Professional Bowler sat out the primary two weeks of OTAs in hopes of forcing Pittsburgh’s hand in giving him some long-term safety, however that isn’t how issues have performed out.
Final month, Heyward revealed that whereas he has had conversations a couple of contract extension, nothing is imminent.
“There’s been communication however there’s nothing actually to report on proper now,” Heyward stated. “I do not assume a deal will get executed tomorrow, I will inform you that.”
So has something modified previously few weeks?
It does not seem to be it because the 35-year-old lacked a constructive replace on the scenario Wednesday.
“I do not wanna say how seemingly one thing is ‘trigger you simply by no means know,” Heyward said on “The Jim Rome Present.” “Clearly, I’d like to be a Pittsburgh Steeler for the remainder of my profession. Getting a contract would lay declare to that. My objective is to be a Pittsburgh Steeler this yr and have yr to hopefully come again and play extra video games with them.”
Heyward is coming off a down yr by which he registered simply 33 tackles and two sacks in 11 video games whereas battling a lingering groin harm, however he believes he nonetheless has loads left within the tank.
“I need to be valued at my place. I perceive I got here off [a] tough season, however I do not assume it is a step down from the place I can play,” Heyward added. “I believe I am on the high of my recreation. I am nonetheless a top-five participant at my place.”
That could possibly be why the 2 sides have been unable to achieve an settlement.
In fact, the Steelers would like to have their longtime workforce captain and 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the 12 months again, nevertheless it should be a good value for a participant coming into his 14th season within the league.
The 2 sides nonetheless appear to be considerably optimistic that they may determine one thing out, but when not, the 2024 season could possibly be Heyward’s farewell tour in Pittsburgh.