Steelers 2024 Offseason Activities Quiet Without Cameron Heyward

The Pittsburgh Steelers have completed their first week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), and the journey play the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 has begun. Faces new and old are in attendance ranging from Russell Wilson to TJ Watt, but one usual suspect isn't participating in the Steelers first organized practices since the 2023 campaign came to a close.

Cameron Heyward, a 14-year veteran and long time captain for the Steelers, is sitting out early team activities as he holds out for a new contract. The 35-year old enters 2024 on the last year of his deal, and hopes to receive at least another two years with the team that drafted him in 2011. 

The Steelers are one of several teams in the 2024 offseason that are facing holdouts during OTAs, as many big-name players are looking for lucrative deals. Pittsburgh has had holdouts in recent years as players have looked for new contracts with the most recent being Watt, who received a four-year $112 million deal that holds him in Pittsburgh through 2025. Although, Watt's was technically a "hold-in" during training camp.

The absence of a player who has been with a team as long as Heyward has, is being recognized for several Steelers used to hearing his voice. During his media availability following the first week of OTAs, edge rusher Alex Highsmith weighed in on the absence of Heyward. 

"Cam's definitely one of those leadership voices in the locker room. So when he's here, you'll hear him, especially out at practices. We can't wait to have him back in the building." 

Though there are certainly negatives to Heyward's absence, the best thing for the Steelers is the ability for veteran players to fill the void. Players like Wilson, who is in his first year with the team, has stepped up to set the tone for the new season which has already earned the attention of teammates. It's impossible for anyone to have the impact on the team that Heyward has, but it's apparent other players are looking to take the mantle. 

Steelers Must Find Leadership Elsewhere During Heyward's Absence

Even as Heyward holds out for a contract, there is a very low chance that he misses any true playing time in 2024 over the issue. Heyward will come back and make the impact on the field that has earned him several All-Pro and Pro Bowl Selections. The concern when it comes to Heyward missing out on the field is the idea of him building camaraderie with his new teammates along with conditioning for the season.

Many players have their own offseason workout routines to stay in shape, but there is a huge difference between offseason workouts in a gym and true game speed. For a player like Heyward, who is coming off a season that was headlined by injuries, ensuring you're at that true game speed right away is an important step to take out of the gate. Heyward will need to make up for missing these early opportunities with even higher quality reps as the offseason continues.

The other problem of building camaraderie also circles around the main point of OTAs, which is crucial in the early stages of team development. Having that trust, and knowing where that voice of leadership is coming from on the field is important to have, especially with all the young guys and new faces in the locker room. The NFL is a culture shock already, and if young players don't know who to look to, that could be something that bogs the Steelers early in games they can't afford to lose.

Ultimately, getting a deal done with one of the most impactful defensive lineman in the game solves multiple problems. Once you are able to place a healthy Heyward back in the lineup, the Steelers defense gets even more of a boost. 

It's unclear how much the front office will be willing to spend on Heyward given his age and the fact they already have one of the league's highest paid defenses, but a guy who makes as big an impact in the locker room and community as he does on the field is worth every penny.