The Pittsburgh Steelers face uncertainty heading into Sunday’s season opener as defensive deal with Cameron Heyward continues contract negotiations that might affect his availability in opposition to the New York Jets.
Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed confidence earlier this week, stating he’s “definitely anticipating” Heyward to swimsuit up for the sport.
Nonetheless, when Heyward spoke to reporters Friday for the primary time in weeks, his feedback painted a unique image relating to his standing for the opener.
“I’ve to decide for my household. It is a enterprise. I can’t play this sport ceaselessly. Identical to I’m maximized on the sphere, I need to be maximized exterior of it. I need to be taken care of that approach. It’s not being grasping. It’s simply the best way this sport is. It’s ‘Not For Lengthy.’ NFL. I’d inform each man, maximize your alternatives,” Heyward mentioned, per Brooke Pryor.
Cam Heyward on the general public response to his request for a reworked contract: “this can be a enterprise. I can’t play this sport ceaselessly, and identical to I’m maximized on the sphere, I need to be maximized exterior of it. …
“It’s not being grasping. It’s simply the best way this sport is.” pic.twitter.com/1f9w1rsgLW
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 5, 2025
The present state of affairs stems from ongoing contract discussions between Heyward and the Steelers group.
Final yr, Pittsburgh initially requested a pay discount from their veteran defender. The 2 sides finally reached a three-year, $45 million extension that runs by way of 2026.
This season, Heyward obtained a $13.45 million roster bonus and carries a $1.3 million base wage.
His whole cap hit reaches $19.65 million for the 2024 marketing campaign.
The stress has developed as a result of Heyward had minimal leverage throughout final yr’s negotiations following an injury-riddled 2023 season.
He bounced again with an All-Professional efficiency that has him searching for compensation matching his elite manufacturing degree.
A serious sticking level includes timing. Heyward nonetheless has two years remaining on his present deal, whereas Pittsburgh sometimes avoids renegotiating contracts with a couple of yr left.
At present averaging $14.5 million yearly, Heyward ranks twenty second amongst inside defensive linemen in response to Over The Cap.
His argument facilities on two key components: his top-level efficiency final season and the dearth of assured cash that leaves him susceptible to launch.
The publish Cam Heyward Speaks Out About His Contract Dispute appeared first on The Chilly Wire.
