Whereas there’s loads of hope and promise for the Pittsburgh Steelers this coming season, they do have a cloud of uncertainty hovering over them within the type of Cameron Heyward’s offseason holdout.
He isn’t collaborating in any exercises proper now as he’s trying to obtain a contract extension.
The veteran defensive lineman is heading into the ultimate 12 months of his present contract, and he stated that his holdout is simply commonplace process, per ProFootballTalk.
“Have all the time attended these, however right now it’s simply contract negotiations, and I wish to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, however we’ll see what occurs,” Heyward said, by way of Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “I’m coaching arduous. It’s nothing I’m not doing on and off the sphere. I’m doing the whole lot attainable, and we’ll get there once we get there.”
Cameron Heyward on offseason program absence: It’s simply contract negotiations. https://t.co/gRQjD56EsK
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 16, 2024
Heyward has performed every of his 13 NFL seasons with the Steelers, and he was not too long ago named to 6 straight Professional Bowls till that streak ended simply final season.
His manufacturing tremendously dropped in 2023, partly due to a groin harm that pressured him to overlook six video games.
The Ohio State product had posted double-digit sacks in 2021 and 2022, however final season he solely mustered 2.0 sacks.
The Steelers’ protection was very sturdy as they obtained again to the playoffs after a one-year absence, however now they’ve a reputable quarterback in future Corridor of Famer Russell Wilson, in addition to a good backup in Justin Fields.
They doubtless gained’t end first within the rough-and-tumble AFC North, however they need to, on the very least, be a reputable contender for a playoff spot.
Defensively, they’ve famous person move rusher T.J. Watt, in addition to Professional Bowl security Minkah Fitzpatrick and a promising younger cornerback in Joey Porter Jr.
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Ryan Clark Is Not Happy About The Steelers’ Schedule