The Pittsburgh Steelers have orchestrated an impressive offseason, sparking excitement among fans as the new season approaches. Following a well-received draft, where pundits lauded their selections, the team finds itself in a strong position. While cornerback and wide receiver slots remain areas of interest for potential roster enhancement, another crucial position has emerged as a consideration.
Some voices within the football community advocate for the Steelers to proactively plan for the succession of Cam Heyward. Among the proposed strategies is the pursuit of Washington Commanders defensive tackle, Jonathan Allen.
Justin Melo of The Draft Network identified three teams, including the Steelers, that could benefit from acquiring Allen through trade. His thesis is that the Steelers need to plan for the future with an aging Heyward.
“Cameron Heyward has been the league’s most consistently dominant defensive tackle over the previous decade. He’s entering his age 35 season in 2024, and the final year of his contract. The Steelers should start thinking about a succession plan.”
Heyward has undeniably been a standout performer for the Steelers throughout his illustrious career. However, as he approaches the twilight of his time on the field, the team must strategize for the future.
Allen emerges as an ideal candidate to fill Heyward’s shoes, offering a seamless transition and a continued high level of performance. Melo’s endorsement of trading for Allen this season further bolsters the potential viability of such a move.
“Trading for Allen and pairing him with Heyward for a season isn’t the worst idea. It could even keep Heyward most effective as more of a rotational defender before Allen flawlessly steps into his full-time role in 2025. Keeping Russell Wilson’s contract to a one-year, $1.2 million agreement has given Pittsburgh maximum flexibility. General manager Omar Khan has a top-five amount of effective cap space heading into next offseason ($73.7 million) as well.”
Melo highlights the Steelers’ advantageous quarterback situation, emphasizing that it provides financial flexibility conducive to making a trade for Allen feasible. Securing a trade for Allen isn’t going to be cheap. He argues that such a move would not only fortify the team’s roster, but also maximize Heyward’s impact as he navigates the twilight of his career and contends with physical limitations.
Heyward’s challenges in the 2023 season stemmed not from a lack of skill, but from a nagging groin injury, for which he underwent surgery during the offseason. Despite his determination to return to form, at 35 years old, he likely faces his final season in the NFL. Consequently, the Steelers must plan for the future of their defensive line.
Allen emerges as a compelling option, boasting two Pro Bowl nods and an impressive stat line of 39 sacks and 382 combined tackles over seven seasons. While he remains in his prime at 29 years old, the Steelers must weigh the possibility of pursuing even younger talent or opting for draft picks rather than parting with assets to acquire Allen.
Steelers’ Cam Heyward Eager To Prove He’s Worth Every Penny
Heyward’s contract has been a focal point of offseason discussions, with approximately $22 million allocated towards the cap, making him a significant financial commitment for the Steelers. His presence contributes to the team’s status as one of the highest-paid defenses in football.
Amidst speculation about Heyward potentially restructuring his deal, he finds himself frustrated by the notion. Having earned his contract through a remarkable career and diligent efforts to overcome injury, Heyward is determined to demonstrate his enduring dominance and justify every cent of his salary in 2024.
While the idea of acquiring Allen via trade may initially seem ambitious, the unpredictability of this offseason has taught Steelers fans to expect the unexpected. Investing in youthful talent for the defensive line is undoubtedly a consideration for the team, and the notion of trading for Allen presents an intriguing opportunity worth exploring.
