Gerry Dulac: Cam Heyward's new deal offers him what he desires most — the chance to retire a Steeler

Gerry Dulac / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cam Heyward’s desire was always to remain with the Steelers — even though he said he would go somewhere else to play if a deal to stay in Pittsburgh couldn’t be reached.

But, in his mind, that was never a real possibility.

Now, it’s a reality.

“That’s all I could ask for — the chance to be a one-helmet guy,” Heyward said.

Heyward, 35, signed a new three-year, $45 million deal on Tuesday in which $16 million — the salary he was scheduled to earn in 2024 anyway — is guaranteed. The move will save the Steelers more than $9 million against the salary cap in 2024.

However, the Steelers did not offer a new contract to their defensive captain to save on cap space. They wanted to ensure Heyward got his wish to remain — and hopefully retire — with the Steelers.

“It’s not set in stone; I got to play like it,” Heyward said Wednesday after practice. “When I first got here, to get drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, I couldn’t think about playing for another team. That’s always been a goal of mine.”

It is the fourth contract Heyward has received from the franchise that drafted him in the first round in 2011, something most players in the league aren’t around long enough — or good enough — to receive.

“It’s awesome in the sense that it’s good to put to bed,” Heyward said. “You get to a fourth contract. It’s rare, and I understand that. But it doesn’t happen without great coaching … and having great teammates, especially in the D-line room.”

His teammates couldn’t be more thrilled to see the 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year get his reward.

“He’s a guy that does everything the Steelers way, on and off the field – the ultimate teammate,” said All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt. “He handled this whole process the right way, as well. Hopefully, we can do some special things before that deal runs out.”

The reference was to Heyward never having been to the Super Bowl in his 14 years with the Steelers. He didn’t even get to be part of the AFC Championship game in 2016 because he missed the final 10 regular season games and the postseason after sustaining a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery. The Steelers have won just one playoff game in Heyward’s eight postseason appearances.

“Cam’s my guy,” said defensive end Larry Ogunjobi, Heyward’s partner on the front line. “He's done so much for the organization. He's a staple, an amazing player, an amazing person. I'm glad things work out the way they're supposed to.”

The Steelers are counting — banking might be more appropriate — on Heyward rebounding from an injury-plagued 2023 season. He played in 11 games, had only two sacks (fewest since his second season in 2012) and just 33 tackles (fewest since he missed the last 10 games of the 2016 season).

Heyward was held out of all three preseason games, but he has been healthy since the start of training camp and is ready to go for Sunday’s regular-season opener in Atlanta, his other hometown.

“He’s a special player,” Ogunjobi said. “His presence is always missed when he's gone and always felt when he’s there.”

“He’s our captain, a guy that brings guys up to his speed and never pushes guys away,” T.J. Watt added.

“He always wants to help as much as he possibly can and is someone that I definitely admire — how he leads the football team, how he plays, how he practices. He just does everything the right way.”

Inside linebacker Elandon Roberts discovered what Heyward means to the organization when he received a text from the four-time All-Pro two days after signing in free agency with the Steelers.

“He’s through and through Pittsburgh, not just what he’s done on the football field; this man is the Walter Payton Man of the Year,” Roberts said. “It’s what he does for the community. From a defensive standpoint, obviously, he’s a great leader for us, and his play is outstanding.

“Cam’s a fun guy to be around, but, at the same time, when it’s about football, he’s very detailed, very passionate. And yet, he’s a guy you can talk to about life. That brings value also because some of us get locked in on football. But Cam, he balances it well. You can talk to him about anything.”