ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler tweeted that Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward hasn’t attended voluntary workouts and plans to skip additional OTAs. It’s an unusual move for the four-time All-Pro defensive lineman because he has always set an excellent example as a long-time captain by not skipping off-season programs.
However, the veteran is doing this for a reason. Heyward is in the final year of the four-year, $65.6 million contract extension he signed in September 2020. The six-time Pro Bowler is using his leverage to negotiate for another extension.
Sources: #Steelers six-time Pro Bowl DE Cam Heyward has not attended voluntary offseason workouts and does not plan to attend OTAs as he seeks a contract extension.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 15, 2024
Heyward is a long-time team captain who's never missed an off-season program. pic.twitter.com/oy0giv8w38
Heyward played only 11 games last season due to a core muscle injury. But even before that unfortunate update, he is among the best NFL interior defensive linemen. His 58.5 sacks since 2016 are third-most among interior linemen.
The Steelers want to see if Heyward remains a viable defensive tackle option for the next few seasons. Therefore, it would be up to Heyward to prove if he still has much football left. The former Ohio State standout will earn a $16 million base salary in 2024 but could lose portions of his salary if he also skips regular season games.
In 13 seasons with the Steelers, the former first-round draft pick amassed 647 total tackles, 80.5 sacks, 47 passes defended, eight forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Before his current contract, he signed a six-year, $59.2 million extension in July 2015. Spotrac estimates his career earnings at $115.5 million.
-Lance Fernandez