3 Steelers affected most by recent Cameron Heyward contract extension

Cameron Heyward #97 and Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
Cameron Heyward #97 and Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Matt Feiler Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Matt Feiler

This one may not seem like an overly big deal, but Matt Feiler is a player who could very well test the market after the 2020 season. Considering that he graded out as Pittsburgh’s best offensive lineman in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus, he’s a player the Steelers shouldn’t willingly let go.

While Feiler may not be an All-Pro level player like David DeCastro, he’s still a very solid and versatile offensive lineman – capable of playing nearly every position across the line if need be. Feiler graded out as one of the better right tackles in the league last year and could prove to be an even better fit at left guard – a position that is perhaps more natural to him.

With Heyward signed, the Steelers will need to prioritize who comes next. There have been rumors that Alejandro Villanueva could elect to retire after the 2020 season. Even if he decides to keep playing, it’s highly unlikely that Pittsburgh could afford to retain both players without making additional cap moves.

Feiler turned 28 years old this offseason and still has some of his best football ahead of him. If Ben Roethlisberger plans on sticking around a few more years, the Steelers may want to consider keeping one of their most reliable offensive linemen around a while longer.

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