Steelers' Cam Heyward Taking Advantage Of Mike Tomlin's OTA Policy: 'It's Part Of What Happens When Players Get A Little Older'

The Pittsburgh Steelers were expected to have a drama free offseason. That's what exactly what it has been in 2024, aside from a few trades and the organization declining Najee Harris' fifth-year option. Pittsburgh's offseason got a little more complicated when longtime captain, Cam Heyward, shared that he isn't reporting to Organized Team Activities until he receives a new contract. He is currently entering the final year of a four-year, $65.6 million deal, and at age 35, he wants to sign another extension to stay in Pittsburgh past 2024. 

Heyward has made it clear he wants a new deal, which likely means he plans to play past the 2024 season and the age of 35. He hasn't shown up to any of Pittsburgh's OTAs, which aren't mandatory, especially for someone of Heyward's stature and tenure with the Steelers. 

It was slightly concerning when he didn't make an appearance initially since he has always gone to OTAs throughout his career. Ryan Clark made a recent appearance on NFL Live, where he shared his thoughts on the whole situation and explained how Mike Tomlin treats veteran's when it comes to OTAs.

"I believe it's nothing. It's part of what happens when players get a little older. I'll tell you a little story about Mike Tomlin. As I got up in age and also along with Troy [Polamalu], he would call each of us to ask which week we were coming for OTAs. We'd both ask the same question, whether he wanted us there on different weeks or together. And he'd normally say together, and that's when we would go. Coach Tomlin isn't one of those coaches who forces people into OTAs. Cam is an ultimate professional, he's one of those guys you can count on for consistency."

Tomlin probably isn't worrying about Heyward's situation, since he isn't a coach that forces guys to make an appearance at the voluntary offseason program. He would prefer to have his team captain and longest-tenured player there, but Heyward is choosing to make a statement by skipping out on OTAs in an effort to get extended in Pittsburgh. 

Heyward is coming off one his worst seasons in the league, he was riddled with injuries. In Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, he suffered a groin injury, and it seemed like he never fully recovered from it at any point throughout the season. He had a corrective surgery once the offseason began, and recently gave an update on his health talking about his confidence and readiness to play football at a high level. 

The 13-year NFL veteran has been nothing but a good teammate and leader in the city of Pittsburgh since he was drafted in 2011, even winning the NFL's Walter Payton Man Of The Year Award for his actions off the field in 2023. Contract disputes are frustrating, but fans shouldn't turn on Heyward after all he has contributed to the Steelers. 

Steelers' Cam Heyward Looking To Bounce Back In 2024

Heyward's Week 1 injury seemed to effect him all season long as he was only able to play in 11 games during the regular season. He had a down year regardless, recording just two sacks, a pass deflection, and 33 total tackles. This came after recording 10 or more sacks during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Injuries aside, Heyward is not that far removed from being a dominant force in the middle of the Steelers defensive line. If his corrective surgery is able to get him back to feeling like himself, he may show that he is worth a contract extension during the 2024 season. 

If the Steelers don't get the contract issue with Heyward resolved by the start of training camp, it is likely he will still be in Latrobe with the team. This is what TJ Watt did when he was looking for an extension, he just didn't participate in any on field drills until he got his new deal. Heyward's impact on the Steelers isn't just measured on the stat sheet, he is a leader, captain, and mentor for younger players on the team who represents exactly what a Steeler should be.