Steelers News: Cam Heyward is willing and able to talk about a contract extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 season is officially over. After finishing the year 8-8, the Steelers, and their vast fan base, has another long offseason awaiting them. Just because the games are done doesn’t mean we stop providing you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over throughout the offseason!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take at how Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward is willing to talk about a contract extension to remain with the Steelers for the duration of his career.

Let’s get to the news:

• Cam Heyward is the leader of the Steelers defense, and is much more than a captain for the black-and-gold. This is why he is more than willing to talk about a contract extension to stay with the Steelers for the long haul.

Cam Heyward “more than happy to facilitate” extension talks

By: Josh Alper, ProFootballTalk

The Steelers often extend the contracts of key players when they have one year let on their existing deals, so defensive end Cam Heyward‘s situation will be one to watch this offseason.

Heyward has one year left on the contract he signed ahead of the 2015 season and he’s been a productive player throughout the life of that deal. Heyward was named a first-team All-Pro for the second time in three years and he’s recorded 29 sacks over the last three seasons.

Heyward said this week that he’d like to continue producing in Pittsburgh and “will be more than happy to facilitate” extension talks if the Steelers share that interest.

“June or July, but if we can get something done earlier, I would love it,” Heyward said, via Mark Kaboly of TheAthletic.com. “They’ve done right by me so far, and I want to continue to do them right. That’s what I love about Pittsburgh — you have to earn your way. If I play well and they show me love, I want to show love back. I want to make sure as them being my employer and them being my family, you always want to make sure that you represent your family well.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The Steelers’ defensive plan for 2020 is already starting to take shape.

Making a plan for next season

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

The Steelers defense had a a strong season and it’s evident with four defensive players taking part in Sunday’s Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium, with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cameron Heyward, Joe Haden and T.J. Watt on hand to represent the black and gold.

And with that crew together, it’s a chance for them to talk about the future and what the defense needs to do to help the team get back to the postseason in 2020.

”These last couple of weeks after the season we had time to think about it, what I can do better, what we can do better as a team,” said Fitzpatrick. “Me, Joe and T.J. are going to get together and talk and pick each other’s brains and think about what we can do better as leaders, teammates and a defense to improve our season, make the playoffs next year and continue to grow.”

And there is still a lot of growth for the defense as it’s a young group, with Fitzpatrick, Watt, Devin Bush and Terrell Edmunds a young core that meshes well with the veterans.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Get to know the 2020 Centennial Hall of Fame class a little better.

Meet the Pro Football Hall of Fame Centennial Class

By: Jeff Legwold, ESPN

Fifteen men, some who have waited decades to hear their names called, were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday as part of its Centennial Class. The group was selected to honor the NFL’s 100th anniversary.

The members, who will be enshrined in August and September, include 10 seniors, two coaches and three contributors. Hall of Fame president David Baker said Wednesday part of the Centennial Class will be enshrined with the modern-era Class of 2020 on Aug. 8, while part of the Centennial Class will be enshrined at the centennial celebration in September.

Here’s a closer look at the class:

Wide receiver Harold Carmichael (Philadelphia Eagles, 1971-1983; Dallas Cowboys, 1984)

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, the 6-foot-8 Carmichael was the league’s Man of the Year in 1980 for his work in his community. In an era when Drew Pearson once led the league in receiving yards with 877 in 1977, Carmichael was consistent in his impact, averaging over 15 yards per catch in six seasons.

Why he was elected: Carmichael was said to be one of the most difficult players to defend. Those who played against him said his numbers would be far better if he played now, when pass interference and defensive holding are called more often. He led the league in catches and receiving yards in 1973 and finished with three 1,000-yard seasons in his career. He was also among the league’s top 10 in touchdowns in eight seasons.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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