Steelers veteran reportedly plans to sit out OTAs

For the first time in his career, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward will miss OTAs, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Heyward is seeking a contract extension as he is set to become a free agent in 2025. 

Speaking to Steelers Now, the defensive lineman indicated that he still has gas left in the tank and wants to sign an extension.

"We've talked about an extension," Heyward said. "We'll see what happens. My goal is to play two to three more years. Mostly three. I'm looking for an opportunity. We'll see what happens. I'd like it to be here, but my goal is to play. So we'll see."

Heyward has spent his entire career with the Steelers. The 35-year-old has played in 194 games for Pittsburgh and tallied 404 tackles, 80.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles.

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the Steelers are hesitant to re-sign the defensive lineman. Whether it be his age or the fact that Pittsburgh is in a transitionary phase, the organization will likely be looking to get younger. 

The Steelers have acquired Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, but it seems as though they could be floating close to .500 once again in 2024, as the current roster could struggle to compete in the AFC.

While Heyward wants to play and sees his career extended, considering the money he is making, it is hard to see Pittsburgh paying up. Heyward is expected to have a cap hit of $22.4M, according to Spotrac. He is entering the final year of a four-year contract extension that was signed in 2020.

So Heyward's holdout could last a while, as a deal might never come for the veteran. It will be interesting to see which side blinks first.