The Pittsburgh Steelers gave Cam Heyward an extension ahead of the 2024 NFL season. He had skipped the beginning of Organized Team Activities while negotiating with the team, but both sides eventually came to an agreement. The Steelers made it clear they wanted to keep Heyward in Pittsburgh for the remainder of his career, emphasizing the importance of him retiring as a one-helmet guy.
There were real concerns heading into that 2024 season. Heyward was coming off a frustrating 2023 campaign where he suffered a groin injury early and played through most of the year at less than full strength. At his age, many questioned whether he had anything left in the tank. However, instead of fading out, Heyward delivered one of the most dominant seasons of his career, earning All-Pro honors and proving that even at 35, he was still a force to be reckoned with.
Now, with a new season approaching, Heyward seems to be leaning into the doubt once again. On Tuesday, he posted a message on social media that made it clear he hasn’t forgotten what was said about him. Just like last year, he’s using the outside noise as fuel. And if 2024 taught anyone a lesson, it’s that counting out Heyward is still a mistake.
They back talkin…. pic.twitter.com/qVraPizxUS
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) July 8, 2025
Heyward is now 36 years old and has no intention of slowing down in 2025. It is rare for a defensive lineman who plays such a physical position to remain this effective for so long, but Heyward has proven to be the exception. If he can produce another All-Pro season or even an above-average campaign, the Steelers' defensive line should be in a very strong position.
Not every NFL veteran pays attention to outside criticism, but Heyward is different. He often interacts directly with fans on social media, making it clear he hears the noise and isn't afraid to respond. He is always honest about how he feels, which has earned him deep respect not just from Steelers fans, but also from his teammates and coaches in the locker room.
Even during his contract negotiations in the 2024 offseason, Heyward reported earlier than most expected. He did not want to miss Organized Team Activities but knew he had to take care of himself and his future. Once the deal was done, he went out and delivered a season that made his doubters look foolish. Now the question is whether he has another vintage performance left in him for 2025.
It’s no secret that Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt has been negotiating with the franchise as he seeks a new deal. Watt is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, so the time has come for the Steelers to take care of him. The challenge is that the pass rusher market has exploded, and if the Steelers want to keep the face of their franchise, it won’t come cheap. Many believe it will cost at least $40 million per year to keep the 30-year-old pass rusher in Pittsburgh.
While Watt absolutely deserves that kind of money, the concern is that committing such a large portion of the salary cap to one player is often difficult to justify in the NFL. It rarely leads to long-term team success unless that player is a quarterback. It will be very interesting to see how the Steelers’ front office navigates this situation with Watt.
There are already rumblings that the two sides are far apart in negotiations, though that could change as the season approaches. Watt remains one of the most dominant defenders in football, and losing him would be a massive blow. The pressure is now on the Steelers to find a way to keep their star in the black and gold for years to come.
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