Heyward Wants a Raise, Open to Missing Games

LATROBE, Pa. — Veteran Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward is making it clear that he wants a raise. At 36 years old, Heyward is not afraid to let it be known that he could sit out regular-season games if necessary to secure a better deal. He spoke to reporters on Monday, revealing that he approached the Steelers about a contract revision in February, shortly after being named to the All-Pro team for the fourth time in his lengthy 14-year career.

As of now, negotiations for a new deal have not progressed, and nearly three weeks into training camp, Heyward has taken a unique approach. Instead of participating fully in all practices, he has been “holding in,” which means he is attending individual workouts but has been skipping some of the more intense team drills. On Monday, he was seen standing on the sideline in street clothes, watching the team as they wrapped up their annual three-week training camp at Saint Vincent College.

Last summer, the Steelers asked Heyward to take a pay cut. Instead, they managed to agree on a reworked contract, which runs through 2026. In response to the previous season’s injuries, Heyward bounced back strong in 2024, recording eight sacks, 71 tackles, and 11 defended passes, helping the Steelers achieve a 10-7 record and reach the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin have both indicated they are not worried about Heyward’s current stance or lack of participation during practices. “Cam’s been doing this a long time,” Tomlin noted. “I don’t work Cam a lot in these scenarios during camp.”

The Steelers do have some flexibility in their salary cap, but they have also committed substantial contracts to other key players such as linebacker T.J. Watt, receiver DK Metcalf, and newly acquired defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Heyward, who was honored as the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year, has expressed a desire to remain in Pittsburgh for his entire career, which he refers to as being a “one helmet guy.” Although his strong position has created some tension during this otherwise quiet camp, it seems there is still time for resolution.