A blockbuster trade proposal has the Pittsburgh Steelers sending All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward to an NFC powerhouse in what would be a league-altering move.
The 35-year-old Cameron Heyward is entering a contract year, and it’s unclear if the Steelers will commit to the six-time Pro Bowler beyond next season. This is organization has never been scared to part way with core players in the primes, as we saw with Santonio Holmes, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell and James Harrison, after all.
Pittsburgh already employs two other stars in TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith to lead the front seven, and the unit got stronger with the free agent signing of ex-Baltimore Ravens star linebacker Patrick Queen.
Cameron Heyward could be available via trade before this year’s deadline, especially if GM Omar Khan receives a quality offer that helps the team in the long term.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine recently proposed one blockbuster trade idea for all 32 NFL teams before the 2024 season begins. On the Detroit Lions’ entry, Ballentine proposed a deal that would have Detroit landing Heyward in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick:
“Pursuing an accomplished veteran like Cam Heyward could be the move that puts them over the top. The Lions came up short against the 49ers in part because they gave up 34 points, 4.7 yards per carry and only sacked Brock Purdy twice.
Adding Heyward to the interior of a defensive line that already has Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Marcus Davenport and DJ Reader could be the difference in those big games…
The Steelers have rarely handed out contract extensions once the season starts, so they could be willing to listen to offers. A third-round pick is more than they’ll get if Heyward retires after this season, so it could be enough to get the Steelers to ship off the defensive lineman.”
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Heyward missed six games last year and finished with two sacks, marking his lowest total since 2012. But he was at the top of his game in 2021 and 2022, finishing with 10 and 10.5 sacks, respectively.
For his career, the perennial Pro Bowler has 80.5 sacks, 47 pass breakups, eight forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.
Cameron Heyward Would Give Detroit Football’s Best Front Seven
The Lions have built an identity on “bully ball” under head coach Dan Campbell. They’ve aced the art of winning games in the tenches on both sides of the ball, so Heyward would fit perfectly in their defense.
Aidan Hutchinson was the only Lion to hit double-digit sacks last year. Adding a seasoned veteran and elite defensive tackle like Heyward could be the final move needed to help the Lions reach their first-ever Super Bowl.