Steelers veteran defensive deal with Cameron Heyward is searching for a contract extension heading into the ultimate 12 months 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’s not how issues have performed out.
Final month, Heyward revealed that whereas he has had conversations a few contract extension, nothing is imminent.
“There’s been communication however there’s nothing actually to report on proper now,” Heyward stated. “I do not suppose a deal will get achieved tomorrow, I will inform you that.”
So has something modified previously few weeks?
It would not appear to be it because the 35-year-old lacked a optimistic replace on the scenario Wednesday.
“I do not wanna say how probably 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 aim is to be a Pittsburgh Steeler this 12 months and have a superb 12 months to hopefully come again and play extra video games with them.”
Heyward is coming off a down 12 months wherein he registered simply 33 tackles and two sacks in 11 video games whereas battling a lingering groin harm, however he believes he nonetheless has a lot 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 suppose it is a step down from the place I can play,” Heyward added. “I feel I am on the prime of my recreation. I am nonetheless a top-five participant at my place.”
That might be why the 2 sides have been unable to achieve an settlement.
In fact, the Steelers would like to have their longtime crew captain and 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Yr again, but it surely have to be a good worth for a participant coming into his 14th season within the league.
The 2 sides nonetheless appear to be considerably optimistic that they’ll determine one thing out, but when not, the 2024 season might be Heyward’s farewell tour in Pittsburgh.