The Pittsburgh Steelers have a holdout on their hands. Their Pro Bowl defensive end Cam Heyward has not attended voluntary offseason workouts and will miss the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) as he’s looking for a new contract.
Heyward is currently entering the final year of his four-year, $65 million deal signed in 2020. He is set to make $16 million in base salary in 2024.
Heyward has been a standout player for the Steelers since being drafted in the first round of the 2011 draft. He made six Pro Bowls and three First-Team All-Pro appearances while missing only 11 games in total in his first 12 years in the league.
The 2023 campaign, however, was a challenging one for Heyward. He suffered a groin injury in Week 1 and ended up being limited to 11 games. His production also notably dropped, as he managed just 2.0 sacks, his lowest since becoming a starter in 2013.
This, and the fact that Heyward just turned 35, is likely the reason why the Steelers are uncomfortable with offering the veteran a new contract. Heyward previously stated that he intends to play at least a few more seasons before retiring.
