Steelers' Cam Heyward Optimistic About His Health: 'I'm Not Looking To Take Steps Back'

Pittsburgh Steelers fans saw an uncharacteristically down year in 2023 from defensive leader, Cam Heyward. He suffered a groin injury during the first week of the 2023 NFL season against the San Francisco 49ers and struggled to get back to full health throughout the rest of the year. The injury, paired with Heyward's age, had many questioning whether or not the veteran defender should take a pay cut going forward. Heyward quickly shot those thoughts down, and he has been nothing but confident that he will get back to his old ways during the 2024 season.

Heyward would end up missing six games for the Steelers. He came back in Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans, and it was clear he still was not fully healthy as he played just 55 percent of Pittsburgh's defensive snaps. Heyward struggled throughout the rest of the season and certainly didn't play at the level that Steelers fans are used to, but on a recent episode of his podcast, Not Just Football, he shared that his corrective surgeries at the beginning of the offseason have him feeling healthy and back to 100 percent.

"I got to hit the grind. I'm not looking to take steps back, trying to get stronger, get my body back where it needs to be. It's been a grind. Getting the surgeries this past offseason, it's not like I have a chronic knee or anything chronic, it's me getting back to feeling like myself. Moving like I do, and I'm starting to see it on the film."

Heyward is clearly confident in his abilities to get back to his old ways on the football field. He will be paired with either a rising star in Keeanu Benton, and/or another experienced veteran in Larry Ogunjobi (along with TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith on the edges of the defensive line), which is a recipe for success for the front end of the Steelers defense if all players are healthy. 

Heyward's streak of making it to six consecutive Pro Bowls snapped in 2023 due to him missing six games and a drop off in production when he was on the field. Even though it was a disappointing season for the 13-year veteran, he still found ways to contribute by tallying 2 sacks, 33 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3 quarterback hits. He also contributed in ways that don't show up in the box score by getting pressure up the middle, which allowed Watt and Highsmith to make plays, along with his overall leadership. 

Steelers Could Part Ways With Heyward Following The 2024 Season

Heyward is entering the final year of his contract in 2024 where he will carry a cap hit of $22.4 million. He is by far the longest tenured player on the Steelers roster and one of the team's most valuable leaders, but there is a high likelihood that the 2024 season will be the last time he is seen donning the Black and Gold on the gridiron. 

Heyward will be 35 during the 2024 season, which means he is certainly approaching retirement. There has been no official word about what he plans to do with his career after his current contract expires, but if he wants to continue playing in the NFL, there is a chance it won't be for Pittsburgh. Even if Heyward has a good, bounce back year in 2024, Pittsburgh brass might not be willing to cut him another large paycheck when they could bring in younger talent.  

It would be bizarre to see Heyward in a different uniform, but based off of how the organization handled other long-time Steelers towards the end of their career (ie. Troy Polamalu and Ben Roethlisberger), it makes sense to assume 2024 will be Heyward's last season with the Steelers.