Former Steelers DT Passes Cam Heyward on Top 10 List

One former Pittsburgh Steelers playmaker made a huge jump on this year's list.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers once had two of the NFL's top defensive tackles on their roster. That was four years ago, and the ever-changing landscape of the NFL has pushed one player to two different teams since, but as the football world reflects on the top 10 players at their position, it's nice to remember where they started. 

Cam Heyward isn't leaving the Steelers until he decides to - most likely. The 34-year-old enters his 13th season coming off a 10.5-sack year for the Steelers, where he also recorded 14 tackles for loss and 23 quarterback hits. The four-time All-Pro has seemingly escaped father time and remains one of the best at his position. 

Meanwhile, a familiar face to the Steelers has begun climbing up the ranks. 

ESPN has released their list of the top 10 defensive tackles of 2023, voted on by coaches, scouts, executives and players. On the list sits Heyward, who ranks 9th. With him is former Steelers' third-round pick, Javon Hargrave, who ranks 5th. 

Last year, Heyward ranked 5th, while Hargrave was not on the list.

Since leaving the Steelers in 2020, Hargrave has emerged as one of the biggest names at the position. In three years with the Eagles, he's recorded 23 sacks and 24 tackles for loss and made his first Pro Bowl in 2021. 

The 30-year-old signed a four-year, $84 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason. 

Hargrave has a few more accolades to go before catching Heyward, but as the Hall of Fame hopeful nears the end of his career, Hargrave is seemingly reaching the peak of his. 

The Steelers would've loved to have both players on their roster this season, and some believed those cards were in play for Pittsburgh in free agency. After his mega-deal in San Francisco, though, the Steelers went a different direction and will roll with Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi and possibly rookie Keeanu Benton on their defensive line in 2023. 

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