Heyward Practices with Steelers Amid Ongoing Contract Stalemate
Cameron Heyward participated in individual practice drills with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, despite an ongoing impasse regarding his contract negotiations. A source informed ESPN that no progress has been made on the All-Pro defensive lineman’s request for a revised agreement. Heyward initially began a training camp hold-in on August 7, 2024, attending the final four practices at St. Vincent College but remaining sidelined in street clothes during team sessions.
Despite his return to practice, the situation does not indicate a resolution to his desire for a contract renegotiation. “He’s a leader,” the source stated, emphasizing Heyward’s importance to the team dynamics.
Heyward, aged 36, expressed to reporters on August 11, 2024, his intention to increase his compensation for the 2025 season following a standout performance in 2024. “I’m looking to be valued,” he remarked. “I know what I bring to this team and what I’m capable of on and off the field, so it’s hard for me, after the year I’ve had, to really justify playing at the number I’m playing at.”
He signed a two-year, $29 million extension with the Steelers in September 2024, securing his contract through the end of the 2026 season. According to OverTheCap.com, Heyward’s average annual value of $14.5 million ranks him 23rd among interior defensive linemen.
In February, following his selection as an All-Pro, Heyward first requested an increase in his compensation after a season where he achieved eight sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and 71 combined tackles. He also led all defensive linemen with 11 passes defended. The lack of advancement in negotiations prompted his decision to hold-in earlier this month.
While the specifics of his contract requests remain undisclosed, Heyward indicated that restructuring next year’s roster bonus into current compensation is a possibility he would consider. “It’s not unprecedented,” he commented. “There have been instances where it’s happened before, and it makes me kind of weary just because it’s not unprecedented. I think there’s an easier way to get this done to still respect the Steelers and what they do, and having tiers out of a contract, but we’ll see.”
As negotiations continue, the Steelers and Heyward must navigate this complex situation, balancing the player’s aspirations with the team’s financial framework. The outcome of these discussions will be closely monitored as the NFL season progresses.
