Cam Heyward may have turned 36 last season, but he's still proving himself as one of the NFL's elite defensive linemen. Pro Football Focus recently unveiled its list of the top 101 players from the 2025 season, focusing solely on performance without considering positional value. Heyward stands out as the only Steeler to crack the top 21, securing the No. 21 spot.
Defying the odds, Heyward's 2025 season was nothing short of remarkable. He achieved a stellar 90.4 PFF overall grade, leading all qualified interior defenders.
His consistency was evident with grades of at least 84.4 in both run defense and pass-rushing. Week after week, Heyward delivered standout performances, highlighted by a 3.8% missed tackle rate, the third-lowest among defenders with over 700 snaps.
Heyward's ranking places him above some big names in the league, including Jeffrey Simmons, Quinnen Williams, and Kobie Turner. Former Steelers also made the list, with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Kevin Dotson, Devin Bush, and George Pickens earning spots.
While PFF's grading system often sparks debate, Heyward's position is well-deserved for those who watched his 2025 campaign. As the season progressed, he seemed to gain momentum, racking up 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 78 combined tackles, earning him a second-team All-Pro nod. Perhaps most impressive is Heyward's durability; he played the most snaps of any NFL defensive lineman last year.
Looking ahead to 2026, Heyward is set to turn 37 and will experience his first season without Mike Tomlin as head coach. Though there are whispers of retirement, Heyward remains under contract and hasn't hinted at stepping away from the game just yet.