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Steelers’ Cam Heyward makes shocking offseason decision amid extension desire

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Nick Meyer | Last updated 5/15/24

The Pittsburgh Steelers will kick off the 2024-2025 season with two new quarterbacks vying for the starting role and a familiar face at the controls in head coach Mike Tomlin. One player who might not be back is defensive line star Cam Heyward, whose status was given an update by Jeremy Fowler recently.

The Steelers are preparing for their Week One game that was announced recently against a surprising opponent. Tomlin’s squad also added a former Ravens defensive back to bolster the secondary.

On Wednesday, Fowler’s tweet was retweeted by influencers like Adam Schefter as word broke of his latest situation.

Heyward, Steelers’ Latest Impasse

Heyward is a former Ohio State Buckeye and longtime Steelers team captain who has an exemplary history of attendance to Pittsburgh team activities both voluntary and mandatory.

According to Fowler, the six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Heyward has not attended voluntary offseason workouts and does not plan to attend organized team activities in pursuit of a contract extension. Fowler noted that Heyward has never missed an offseason program.

Cameron Heyward and a radio broadcaster. Feb 7, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward poses with Scott Ferrall on the SportsGrid SiriusXM radio set on radio row at the Super Bowl 58 Media Center at the Mandalay Bay resort and spa. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the defensive lineman had 25 tackles and two sacks in the middle of the Steel Curtain defense. The 6-foot-5, 295 pound tackle was selected with pick number 31 in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft and is considered to be one of the best inside defensive linemen in the game today.

Fans React to Heyward News

Heyward and the Steelers haven’t gotten a deal done yet; meanwhile fans and reporters have debated whether he deserves one. Fowler shared thoughts on his recent stats including his league leading defensive stops statistic while fans have taken aim at his age.

Heyward leads defensive players in stops (242) since 2019 and has 58.5 sacks since 2016, third among interior rushers. He plans to play several more years and is healthy from last year’s core muscle injury.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 15, 2024

Bro pushing 40 and holding out for a new contract pic.twitter.com/hhOzVnkmkf

— . (@J0nesToChina) May 15, 2024

He was probably making sure his AARP benefits are in line. Give the old man a break

— Mr. Ohio (@MrOH1O) May 15, 2024

“It’s a business,” another fan said. “Steelers used up all the good will earned over the years by winning Super Bowls. Now they are just a mediocre team with mediocre owners and mediocre coaches, nothing special about playing for the Kneelers.”

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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