Welcome to the terrible take, a daily segment telling Steeler Nation what's on our minds.

I'm Melanie Freelander. Steeler's defensive linemen, Cam Hayward,

ended his quasi-holdout this week, attending voluntary O TAs after skipping the first week.

The current NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year and reigning defensive captain has made it clear

that he wants to end his career in Pittsburgh. With one year left on his contract he wants an extension

and isn't willing to give a hometown discount to do it. Steelers fans have been divided on

whether Hayward is worth the cap and cash investment given his age and the

wear and tear that comes with 13 seasons in the league.

There have been arguments that with two groin repairs in the past year, Hayward is too big an injury

risk.

On that point, I would strongly disagree for the simple

reason that there is good data to show otherwise. A review of NFL players

undergoing core muscle surgery as Hayward did showed no drop-off in performance following recovery.

And while some players have a tear on the opposite groin following repair of the

original injury, there is no increase in re-injury following that repair.

It certainly hasn't slowed down 49ers defensive Anjoy Bosa who underwent that surgery in 2019.

Or wide receiver Brandon Auke who underwent that same surgery prior to getting drafted.

In March 2023, the Eagles gave offensive linemen Lane Johnson

just one year younger than Hayward, a one year extension worth over $30 million to keep him under contract through

2026. And that was right after he had both Gorins repaired for a core muscle injury.

Based on his return to form, that certainly seems to have been the right call for Philadelphia.

Obviously, age has to be a concern when a team decides what to pay a player and how long to keep them under

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