Steelers’ Cam Heyward Sends A Motivated Message To Pittsburgh Fans That Have Hated On Him: 'It’s All Screenshotted'

The Pittsburgh Steelers have benefited from the formidable presence of defensive lineman Cam Heyward for 13 seasons. On Wednesday night, it was revealed that for the first time in his illustrious career, Heyward would be skipping OTA's. He is holding out with the hope of securing a new contract before the season begins.

Heyward faced criticism for his performance in the 2023 season, which was hampered by a groin injury sustained in Week 1. Although not fully healthy upon his return, he still delivered a commendable performance, albeit it was one of his least productive seasons. The substantial size of his contract has sparked vocal criticisms from fans on social media, with some suggesting he should take a pay cut. This has fueled Heyward's motivation to prove his detractors wrong.

During an episode of Not Just Football on Thursday, Heyward shared that he has seen every negative post about him. He humorously noted that dealing with this criticism is fun for him, and he's looking forward to engaging with his critics in 2024.

"Everybody has been having an opinion, and that is just great for me, I tell you that. That is the icing on the cake to all this. And I appreciate you, I love you guys, it's great you guys all have opinions, and I value them. But I can't wait to have some fun with this. Just know it's all screenshotted.”

In 2020, Heyward signed a four-year contract with the Steelers valued at $65.6 million, which included a $17.5 million signing bonus. In 2024, this agreement will result in a cap hit of $22.4 million, making it the second-highest on the team.

After the 2023 season, Heyward expressed his desire to continue playing for at least two, ideally three, more seasons, with a strong preference to stay in Pittsburgh. His decision to skip OTAs is motivated by his aim to secure a new contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent following the 2024 season. The Steelers value Heyward highly for his contributions both on and off the field, which earned him the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

As Heyward's career advances, his age seems to be catching up with him, though many fans may not be fully aware of the extent of the injuries he played through. This offseason, he underwent surgery and is now healthy. Assuming he maintains his health, he is likely to have a much more productive 2024 season. Nevertheless, where he will play that season remains uncertain. While it seems improbable that the Steelers would want Heyward to end his career elsewhere, they will approach any new contract offer with prudence.

Heyward seems prepared to hold out if he does not secure a new deal. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers navigate this situation. It seems probable that they will strive to satisfy Heyward and make a financially astute decision regarding his contract. If they cannot reach an agreement, a trade could emerge, or Heyward might opt to sit out the season.

Steelers' Cam Heyward Can't Miss The 2024 Season In Pittsburgh

This offseason, the Steelers have made some significant moves that should reshape their team dynamics. Perhaps the most notable acquisition is nine-time Pro Bowl and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, who signed a one-year deal. Additionally, the Steelers bolstered their defense by bringing in standout linebacker Patrick Queen. With the arrival of Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator, the Steelers' offense is poised to complement their traditionally strong defense.

Heyward, despite his impressive career, still lacks a deep playoff run on his resume. The 2024 season presents challenges, but there's considerable excitement surrounding the team. With the infusion of talent like Wilson, enhancements on defense, and Mike Tomlin's continued leadership, the Steelers could emerge as a surprise contender. Heyward will surely be eager to be part of what could be a transformative season for the Steelers.