Over the past several seasons, veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward has emerged as the leader of the team’s defense and a living legend for the team, earning six Pro Bowl nods in his career, five first-team All-Pro selections, and the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. But it sounds like his future with the team is quite a bit uncertain.
For the first time in his 14-year career with the team, Cameron Heyward is not attending the team’s voluntary offseason workouts. And during the most recent episode of his Not Just Football podcast, Heyward revealed that his absence is due to a contract dispute, and he seemed to indicate that his future with the team is a little bit in question, even though he would love to return.
“Have always attended these, but at this time it’s just contract negotiations, and I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, but we’ll see what happens,” Heyward said according to Pro Football Talk. “I’m training hard. It’s nothing I’m not doing on and off the field. I’m doing everything possible, and we’ll get there when we get there.”
Obviously, it’s pretty horrible news for the Steelers that such a legendary player’s future with the team is so uncertain, and the NFL world had a lot to say about it.
“Woe is me”. We’ve heard this before. Should’ve drafted two DLs last year. Ride off, Cam.
— Brian Waggle (@BrianWaggle) May 17, 2024
It is what it is
— Jessie Marie 💛🖤 (@Joycestacy13) May 17, 2024
lol dude fulfill your contract. You signed it @CamHeyward
— gus bus (@PittCommenter) May 17, 2024
Because he hasn’t made enough money already is that the issue? 😂
— Keith (aka Boomer) (@StealerzDad) May 17, 2024
Extend him! Or play Leal or Lowdermilk😞😳. We have no depth! #steelersdraft
— 93.7 The Fan Fan! (@George065343711) May 17, 2024
We’ll certainly have to see what happens.