The Pittsburgh Steelers still have something to play for in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens. While their AFC North rivals have already clinched the division title and No. 1 seed in the conference, Pittsburgh has a chance to steal a Wild Card spot if they win the game.
While that is what all of the team is focused on, star defensive tackle Cam Heyward was fielding some questions this week about his future. While he is signed through 2024, it certainly seems like he is at least contemplating what life after football could look like.
“First and foremost, I have to see how my body feels. It’s been a rough season,” Heyward said, via Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The rough season Heyward is referring to is likely the injury that he had to recover from early on. In Week 1 he suffered a groin injury that kept him sidelined for six games. He returned in Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football.
Heyward, a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, has spent his entire career with the black and gold. He is set to earn $16 million during the 2024 season, but the Steelers can clear all of that off their books if they opt to part ways with him.
That will certainly play a part in his decision to play next season. If he and the team agree to a lower cap number, it will increase his odds of coming back. But, if that isn’t feasible and the Steelers are hurting for cap space, the long-time contributor could be released.
There is certainly a chance that Week 18 or however deep into the postseason the Steelers go is the last time we see Heyward suit up for the team. If it is the last time, Heyward will go down as one of the best defensive players in franchise history. His 80.5 sacks are tied with James Harrison for second most, trailing only his current teammate, T.J. Watt.
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