Steelers GM taking sweet time in contract negotiations with 2 key players
As the 2024 NFL season draws near, so does the Pittsburgh Steelers' self-imposed deadline for contract extensions. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac reported that the Steelers have only negotiated in-season with one player since 1995, safety Darren Perry.
While several key players are heading into the season in the final year of their contracts, General Manager Omar Khan has only entered into negotiations with two: Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
With a total contract valued at $6.028 million ($1.507 million APY), Freiermuth is one of the lowest-paid at his position in the league. According to Spotrac, his contract ranks 39th, with several non-starters earning more. It's still Freiermuth's rookie deal, so the low number is not too surprising.
Freiermuth, 25, will get a hefty raise, estimated to be in the $10-$12 million range. He's expected to be a significant part of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's game plan. Considering the Steelers are thin at receiver beyond George Pickens, Freiermuth will likely be the No. 2 target in the passing game.
Heyward's situation is far more delicate, with the best years of his career in the rearview. The Steelers tend to treat aging players as expendable, as we witnessed with Troy Polamalu and Hines Ward. But as noted by Dulac, Khan being in talks with him indicates that he believes Heyward, 35, still has some gas left in the tank.
Entering the 14th year in the league, Heyward has stated he wants to play for a few more and retire with the Pittsburgh Steelers. If a deal cannot be reached, expect Heyward to wear different colors in 2025.
Should Freiermuth and Heyward reach deals with the Steelers, expect it to be announced this week.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers GM taking sweet time in contract negotiations with 2 key players
