As Cam Heyward embarks on his fifteenth season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he has two primary goals in mind, despite the team still searching for a solid quarterback solution. During a recent appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” the All-Pro defensive tackle shared insights about Pittsburgh's ongoing interest in Aaron Rodgers, who visited the Steelers' facility on Friday. This visit has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, particularly as it was also a topic on Heyward's podcast earlier in the week.
Heyward humorously addressed the speculation surrounding his comments about Rodgers. “It’s funny. Everybody gave me crap, they said I called him out. I don’t think I really called him out,” Heyward stated, emphasizing that he isn’t interested in unconventional recruitment methods. He expressed that if Rodgers wishes to join the Steelers, the invitation is open: “If he wants to be a Steeler, he can be a Steeler. That’s the pitch,” he remarked, as reported by NFL.com.
He continued to clarify his stance, saying, “I don’t know why everybody thought, ‘Oh, Cam’s really going at him.’” He acknowledged the mixed reactions from fans, where some supported his approach while others felt it might deter Rodgers. “I’m not scaring anybody off. I just want to win games and play good football,” Heyward concluded.
Earlier this week, Heyward created a buzz when he stated he would not partake in a darkness retreat to recruit Rodgers, who is known for his unconventional offseason activities. “I ain’t doing that darkness retreat. I don’t need any of that crap,” Heyward said on his podcast, “Not Just Football.” He reiterated that the decision to join the Steelers is straightforward: “Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t. That’s simple. That’s the pitch,” he added.
The Pittsburgh Steelers concluded their last season with a record of 10-7, led by quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Fields, 26, initially stepped in for an injured Wilson, who had secured the starting position during training camp. Wilson, 36, took over from Week 7, winning four consecutive games before suffering a loss against the Browns in November. However, the Steelers ended the season poorly, losing five straight games, culminating in a 28-14 wild-card defeat against the Ravens.
In the wake of the season, Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets, while Wilson remains unsigned. Recently, the Steelers re-signed backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, who spent the past season with the Titans, fortifying their quarterback depth.
Aaron Rodgers, who has been spending time on the West Coast this offseason, reportedly “spent about six hours” at the Steelers’ facility on Friday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter characterized the visit as “positive” and noted that both parties intend to keep in contact as free agency progresses.
Shortly after Rodgers' visit, the New York Giants made a move by signing journeyman quarterback Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million deal. Winston, a former first-overall pick, previously played for the Browns and, despite his signing, the Giants have not completely ruled out the possibility of acquiring Rodgers.
In his last season with the Jets, the four-time league MVP had an impressive performance, throwing for 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over 17 games, making him a coveted asset as free agency unfolds.
