Steelers news and commentary Wednesday, January 17th

Welcome to the Terrible Towel Tales, where we’ll highlight some of the latest stories permeating Steelers media for your reading pleasure every Monday through Saturday. In today’s news…

Report: George Pickens Heavily Fined By Steelers, NFL | Noah Strackbein, All Steelers

“A source says Pickens has been fined at or above $200,000 this year by the NFL and the Steelers combined, a larger-than-average figure for any player regardless of contract status,” Jones writes.

The NFL has publicly fined Pickens $33,441 for unnecessary roughness. This season, Pickens was set to make $1.318 as the second-year portion of his rookie contract.

According to the report, Pickens has turned a corner in trying to right his reputation with the team.

Steelers’ Cam Heyward wants to return, but will his body (and contract) allow it? | Mark Kaboly, The Athletic

If it was up to Cameron Heyward, not only would he play out his contract, which expires after the 2024 season, but he also might play a couple of seasons after that, into his late 30s.

That’s what Heyward’s mind is telling him. His body very well might have a different agenda. It sure did this year, for really the first time in his 13-year career, leaving him questioning whether Monday’s playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills was the final game of his career.

“It’s been a rough season,” the 34-year-old defensive lineman said. “In my heart, I want to play, but you know, it’s been rough.”

Change is inevitable, but Steelers players hope to be back, some recognize it might not happen | Chris Adamski, TribLive

The final full-squad team meeting for the 2023 edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers lasted all of about 20 minutes Tuesday.

“Nothing groundbreaking,” star outside linebacker T.J. Watt said at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex less than 20 hours after the Steelers’ season ended with a playoff loss at the Buffalo Bills.

And, just like that, the 91st edition of the Steelers will never be together in its present form again.

“Coach (Mike) Tomlin kind of talked about how some of the guys in this room won’t be here,” rookie defensive tackle Keeanu Benton said, “and that really hit me today.”