After the previous season, Heyward had a remarkable year off the pitch. Walter Payton Man of the Year went to him in the NFL.
But his success on the pitch was not as great. All-around output for the four-time All-Pro dropped.
It was his fewest since 2012, with only two bags. The season he has the fewest tackles in since 2016 with only 33.
In the five seasons prior, he had at least 25 pressures; this season, he only had 5.
He had a groyne injury throughout the season, which is probably the main cause of much of this. He disclosed at the conclusion of the season that he had torn the bone in his groyne early in the year but had chosen to postpone surgery.
The price of the injuries
That probably caused him to play the fewest snaps since his rookie season, having started six games ahead of schedule.
His statistical deterioration was undoubtedly influenced by it as well.
The Steelers will be hopeful that, because he had surgery to correct the injury at the close of the season, he can return to his previous level of play in 2024. However, they may still consider other possibilities in case age and injuries become a problem for him the following season.
Potential Steelers Substitutes
With regard to defensive ends, the 2024 NFL Draft class isn’t very deep, but the Steelers may not find that to be a problem.
They ought to concentrate their initial round on…
