Though it seems obvious now, this time one year ago, there was a heated debate over whether Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive lineman Cam Heyward would and should receive a contract extension. Coming off his worst season due to a groin injury suffered in the 2023 season opener, Heyward was approaching his mid-30s—a time when most players, especially those in the trenches, are steadily declining.
So it was controversial when Pittsburgh extended Heyward on a three-year, $45 million contract days before the 2024 season began. Though the deal carried plenty of “outs” and protection for the Steelers, it was still a show of faith in what Heyward could do.