Steelers veteran defensive sort out 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’s not 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 acknowledged. “I do not assume a deal will get performed tomorrow, I am going to let you know that.”
So has something modified up to now few weeks?
It would not appear to be it because the 35-year-old lacked a constructive replace on the state of affairs Wednesday.
“I do not wanna say how seemingly one thing is ‘trigger you simply by no means know,” Heyward stated on “The Jim Rome Present.” “Clearly, I might like to be a Pittsburgh Steeler for the remainder of my profession. Getting a contract would lay declare to that. My purpose is to be a Pittsburgh Steeler this yr and have a great yr to hopefully come again and play extra video games with them.”
Heyward is coming off a down yr during which he registered simply 33 tackles and two sacks in 11 video games whereas battling a lingering groin damage, however he believes he nonetheless has a lot left within the tank.
“I wish 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 feel I am on the prime of my sport. 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.
After all, the Steelers would like to have their longtime crew captain and 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Yr again, however it should be a good worth for a participant getting 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.
