Welcome to the terrible take a daily segment telling Steelers nation what's on our mind. I'm Alex Kazora

It took until nearly the 11th hour, but late Tuesday afternoon the Pittsburgh Steelers announced they reached a three-year

contract extension with defense alignment, Kim Hayward, the first off-season domino to fall,

even if it took until September.

I know the deal's been met with collective skepticism and I get that when you look at the

top-line reported numbers 45 million in total a 16 million dollar signing bonus for a guy who is 35

now signed through his age 37 season.

But check out our emergency terrible podcast where Dave Bryan puts the figures in key

context. The deal is not exactly what it seems. It does give Hayward some security, at least

the illusion of it, while giving the team an out if Hayward does suddenly collapse in a year's time.

And I still believe most importantly, Hayward can play.

As I wrote this morning for the site, he was still this team's best run defender with fantastic metrics.

When teams ran at him, they averaged 2.7 yards per carry and a 40% success rate.

Those are great defensive numbers.

His pass rush did tank in 2023, largely due to not being fully healed

from his groin tear, but he looked healthy all camp long this summer.

Gone are probably the days of him being a double digit sack guy, but he can record five to eight

sacks over the next two years, maybe even beyond,

Atlantis Klais Campbell just had six and a half at age 37 last year for the

Falcons. So I personally will celebrate this deal, not just for what Hayward's been for the team, but what he can be for them in the future.

Be sure to follow us at Steelers Depot.com and check out episodes of The Terrible Take

everyday 5 p.m. Eastern time. And check out the terrible podcast with myself and day Brian every Monday,

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