Omar Khan Expects Cam Heyward to Be a Steeler for Years to Come

UNITY TWP., Pa. — Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan believes All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward, who’s seeking a contract extension, will be a one-helmet guy and retire as a Steeler.

“I don’t want to talk about specific negotiations, but I think Cam has a lot of football ahead of him. I’ll leave it at this, I expect him to be here for years to come,” Khan said.

Cam Heyward reiterated after practice on Thursday that he wants to remain in the Black and Gold for multiple years, but he’s going to leave the door open if another opportunity comes up.

“I want to be here, but a lot of football to be played. … If they believe in me and think I can play more, so be it, but if they don’t, I’ll go somewhere else,” Heyward said.

Heyward, 35, is entering the final season of a four-year, $65 million contract that is set to pay him $16 million in 2024.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward at training camp on July 25, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Heyward missed six games last season because of a groin injury, which required offseason surgery. He essentially played on one leg last season. Given his age and the serious nature of last year’s injury, some believe the Steelers should be hesitant to give him a contract extension.

Heyward thinks he brings a style of play that no one else can replicate, however.

“My game is different from everybody else in this league,” Heyward said. “I like to think I can play the run and the pass. And that’s why I’m different.”

Heyward has been studying powerlifters as they are all about power, which is his specialty.

“Last year Mike (Tomlin) brought to my attention, the thing that’s really cool is you watch powerlifters, and my game is built on power and technique and (powerlifters) go into their 40s,” Heyward said. “And so, you know, that’s what kind of research I’m doing behind the scenes.”

Heyward is a three-time first-team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler. He’s recorded 80.5 career sacks, which is tied for second on the franchise’s all-time list. He also was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2023.

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Unity Twp.