I will always stand by my statement that Father Time is unbeaten although Cam Heyward is doing his best to end that streak. The soon-to-be 37-year old confirmed he will be back in Pittsburgh after agreeing to a new two-year deal worth $32.25 million. The Steelers save about $5.5 million in cap money with the move.
Heyward has been incredibly durable in recent seasons. The last two of which saw him earn All-Pro and Second Team All-Pro honors. While his productivity slipped a bit from his All-Pro campaign of 2024, Heyward was still the team’s best and most consistent defensive lineman. The hope is that Derrick Harmon will take the baton from him as soon as this season.
While Heyward’s return is welcome, the Steelers must still address the position in the draft and free agency. I would expect a defensive lineman to be taken within the first two days of the Draft.
In Other News…
Punter Cam Johnston is returning to the Steelers on a one-year deal. He was the team’s starting punter on opening day 2024 when he sustained a severe knee injury in the opener in Atlanta. Last year, the team chose to go with Corliss Waitman which resulted in Johnston playing in Buffalo. He suffered an injury to his plant leg after three games with the Bills and finished ’25 with the New York Giants.
Defensive Lineman Esezi Otowemo is returning to the Steelers on a one-year deal. Last season he played in 12 total games for the Steelers and collected nine tackles. I think he will find himself competing for a roster spot come Trainin Camp.
Speculation continues to circle around the Steelers with regards to the QB situation. ESPN suggested earlier that Kirk Cousins is the ‘fall back’ plan if Aaron Rodgers plays elsewhere or retires. I’ll say this for Cousins, I think he would be more willing to push the ball down the field than is Rodgers and that could be a good thing.
