The Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed having defensive lineman Cameron Heyward in the middle of the defense since 2011, and the team recently inked him to an extension that should lead to him finishing his career in Pittsburgh.
But at the age of 35, there's no telling when Heyward might start to decline. Some thought that was last season, but Heyward has been excellent through six games in 2024, erasing those concerns.
Even still, Bleacher Report's Scouting Department believes the Steelers need to start planning ahead for Heyward's eventual decline, and they could use another option entirely to go along with Heyward.
With that, B/R is targeting Detroit Lions defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike for the Steelers in 2025 free agency.
One day, Cam Heyward is finally going to show his age. The 35-year-old continues to play at a high level, but Father Time is undefeated. The Steelers are also pinning a lot on Larry Ogunjobi on the interior as well. With Leal most likely out for the season with a neck injury, the future picture for the for defensive interior is somewhat dim.
Levi Onwuzurike would provide a boost. It has taken him a while to break through in Detroit, but he has earned an important role this season. He'll look to cash in during free agency and would be a good balance of talent and youth in the Steelers' system.
In the final year of his deal, Onwuzurike has been a disappointment thus far in his career, partly due to injury and also due to ineffectiveness when he's been on the field.
However, Onwuzurike appears to be turning the corner in 2024 and is in the midst of his best season as a pro, which could lead to the Lions wanting to bring him back in 2025.
The former second-round pick is healthy and has already broken his personal best with 1.5 sacks, and he has 17 pressures in a backup role.
While Onwuzurike certainly wouldn't fully replace Heyward once he rides off into the sunset, he would be a fantastic running mate for the future Hall of Famer in the short term.
