Cam Heyward’s absence from OTAs may do more harm than good in his pursuit for..see more

Cam Heyward’s absence from OTAs may do more harm than good in his pursuit for a contract extension with the Steelers.

Cameron Heyward considers the Pittsburgh Steelers to be his forever home. No one will be able to match Captain Cam’s time as one of the most significant players in team history, both on and off the field.

However, while he seeks a contract extension, isolating himself from the club may be doing more harm than good, given who is stepping up in his absence. Keeanu Benton Making Noise in Heyward’s Absence

“I’m just being myself,” Benton told Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “Guys gravitate towards me because of who I am. [They] ask me questions. I don’t mind answering them. I answer ’em honestly. It’s nice to have a different rookie [Logan Lee] in the class. That’s really the guy who asks the most questions to me. And then just being able to be a different voice in the locker room, breaking down huddles and stuff like that. [Heyward’s absence] Just gives me more opportunities to be heard and pick up my role.”

 

Look, no one thinks Benton is suddenly going to be the captain of the defense with Heyward being away from the team. In the end, if Heyward were to miss, even mandatory minicamp per se, he is still under contract for the 2024 season, meaning his captaincy and role along the defensive line is solidified through January.

But beyond that, your guess is as good as mine. Both parties would like to see Heyward complete his career in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers could have asked him to take a pay reduction from his $22.4 million cap charge this season, but they didn’t because they respect him. Now, it’s unclear whether they’re willing to sign him to the three-year deal he’s asking.

Heyward is 35 already, and while he has showed minimal symptoms of slowing down, the core muscle surgery that required him to miss nearly six weeks last offseason is undoubtedly on the thoughts of those making decisions on the Southside.

 

So Benton is savoring the occasion. With a full-time position in 2024, I am confident he can be one of, if not the best, nose tackles in the NFL. However, this is only possible if he is paired with one of the best interior lineman in history.