While Steelers OTAs have been going on, there hasn't been a lot of outside news to report. Most of the buzz over the past two weeks has revolved around Organized Team Activities and Cameron Heyward's absence from OTAs as he looks for a lucrative new contract extension.
This week, things are starting to fall in line. As Pittsburgh puts their finishing touches on their final OTAs this week, Heyward makes an entrance and another cornerback is added to the mix. Here's the latest Steelers news.
Cameron Heyward is at the Steelers facility for third week of OTAs
After an absence from Organized Team Activities, Cameron Heyward is back at the facility for the third and final week of Steelers OTAs, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
DE Cam Heyward back at Steelers facility today for third week of OTAs.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) June 4, 2024
It's important to remember that OTAs are voluntary, and nobody is forcing him to suit up. However, Heyward is taking the field nonetheless. Here's a clip of the Walter Payton Man of the Year with head coach Mike Tomlin, via Alan Saunders of Steelers Now.
#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin welcomes Cam Heyward to OTAs. pic.twitter.com/r4G4tWkh1x
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) June 4, 2024
Heyward, 35, is hoping to be paid as one of the top interior defenders in the NFL. However, Omar Khan and the front office may be reluctant to oblige considering his age and the fact that he spent nearly the first half of the 2023 season on IR with a groin injury.
It's unclear why Heyward is at the Steelers facility, but many expect the contract dispute to continue through minicamp and even Steelers training camp this year until the terms are reached on a new extension.
Steelers sign slot CB Grayson Arnold
Lost in the midst of the Cameron Heyward news is that the Pittsburgh Steelers are signing former Eagles and Texans cornerback, Grayson Arnold, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Former #Eagles and #Texans S Grayland Arnold is signing with the #Steelers, per agents @davidcanter and @nessmugrabi of @gseworldwide.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 4, 2024
Arnold, a former undrafted free agent, was scooped up by Philadelphia following the 2020 NFL Draft. He dressed for 6 games with the Eagles before joining the Houston Texans from 2021 to 2023. Allen has appeared in just 26 NFL games, making one start during his rookie season.
At the 2020 NFL Combine, the former Baylor product measured in at just 5'9'' and 186 pounds with tiny 29'' arms. The combination of his underwhelming size and physical traits (just 4.59 speed with a 33'' vertical jump) attributed to him going undrafted. He will attempt to compete with an unproven group of slot cornerbacks in Pittsburgh this summer.
Troy Fautanu signs his rookie contract
It was just a matter of time before it became official, but Troy Fautanu has signed his rookie contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This officially locks him in with the team through the 2027 season.
During the 2027 offseason, the front office will be given the option to exercise the franchise tag for Fautanu -- something they have passed up often in recent years. Fautanu will look to change that trend as a player who sticks around for the long haul in Pittsburgh. The rookie OT is expected to start early in his career.