Pittsburgh announced Cam Heyward inked a new three-year extension to remain with the Steelers through the 2026 season. It seems like a favorable contract for the team, as the guaranteed money doesn't seem to have budged in Heyward's favor. Now that the veteran has his deal, the black and gold have some extra cap space to work with.
They reworked Alex Highsmith's deal earlier in the offseason so that already brought some relief to their cap space. Since Heyward signed the dotted line, Pittsburgh gained another chunk of cap relief right before the start of the season.
This move opened around nine million in cap space, so this could open the door for other potential moves for Pittsburgh.
Trade rumors will remain for Steelers until the bitter end
Fans might roll their eyes at this one since the Steelers missed out on Brandon Aiyuk but don't cancel this scenario out. Mike Tomlin publicly explained his support of the receivers they currently have on the roster. There was a reason they pursued Aiyuk as strongly as they did. Actions speak louder than words and they wanted Aiyuk to upgrade their receiving core.
Nine million in cap space is not that much when you look at other potential receiver upgrades who the Steelers have been tied to this offseason. Someone like D.K. Metcalf has a cap charge of $24.5 million this year. That number could always be reworked to lessen the hit. Names like Robert Woods or Tyler Locket could be other options for a shocking last-minute trade.
Pat Freiermuth could benefit most from Cam Heyward's extension
Right now, it seems like no one should be happier from this extension than Pat Freiermuth. Since Heyward signed his extension, everyone has turned their attention to what this could mean for Freiermuth and a potential long-term contract getting ironed out with the Steelers. Newly acquired spending money could go in his direction to lessen his cap hit in the later years of a prospective deal.
We know both sides want to get a deal done, and the deadline is right before Week 1. Freiermuth is scheduled to become a free agent after the season, but Pittsburgh wants him to stay. With Arthur Smith relying on tight ends in his offensive scheme, it should lead to new heights for the young player. It would be a slight risk to give him a new deal now, but it's better than waiting.
Steelers could sign a veteran available in free agency
They haven't done anything yet regarding free agency after NFL cuts, but maybe they can finally do something now. Again, they don't have a ton of money to work with, but the Steelers could use that cash to bring in some veteran players. Everyone who remains in free agency is out there for a reason at this point of the year, so their demands shouldn't be lofty.
There are some guys out there who could provide upgrades at either depth or starting spots for the Steelers. Some names at receiver include Michael Thomas and Hunter Renfrow. Beyond receiver, Pittsburgh could use some help at cornerback too. Guys like Xavien Howard and Patrick Peterson could make sense. Potential upgrades remain out there in free agency if the Steelers want them.