The completion of the 2023 season could be the end of an era in more ways than one with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

NFL media pundits have already begun debating if Kenny Pickett’s time as the Steelers franchise quarterback is finished. But according to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, 34-year-old defensive lineman and team captain Cameron Heyward faces a much-more murky Steelers future.

Dulac wrote in a chat on January 3 that although Heyward has earned the right to end his career on his terms, that could potentially not happen because of the big money the veteran is owed in 2024.

“I think Cam has earned the right with the Steelers to come back for the final year of his contract, if he so chooses,” Dulac wrote. “However, if he does, there is no question he will have to re-do his contract.

“He is scheduled to earn $16 million salary and count $22.4 million against the cap, so he likely will have to accept a LOT less money for his last season.”

With that cap hit, Heyward is estimated to account for 9.1% of the team’s cap space. That’s a lot for a defensive lineman who turns 35 in May and has posted his fewest amount of sacks and tackles this season since 2012.