Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward does not believe he’s been a distraction for the locker room.
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward doubled down on his threat to sit out in Week 1 if he doesn’t get the raise he’s looking for. That has forced many fans to turn on him with just days before the team’s regular season opener.
However, Heyward doesn’t believe his teammates are, despite his contract dispute getting more and more national attention every day.
“Because everybody’s gone about their business,” he said. “I’ve still interacted with every guy on this team the way I usually do. I’ve tried to prepare the other guys that play next to me or play behind me that if there’s an opportunity, they’ll be ready.”
Heyward signed a two-year, $29 million contract extension with the Steelers last year that paid him a $14.7 million signing bonus. He was also paid a $13.45 million roster bonus this March but is owed only another $1.3 million this season for a total of $14.75 million in cash over 2025.
The four-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler believes he’s worth a lot more than that after racking up 71 tackles, eight sacks and 11 passes defensed last season.
Only time will tell if Heyward is willing to sit out on Sunday. He already said he’s willing to miss games in the 2025 season, if that’s what it takes to get the contract modification he’s seeking from the team.
Heyward is confident his teammates won’t have any ill feelings towards him if that’s the case, though.
“I’ve addressed it openly with my teammates,” Heyward said. “I never wanted it to be a distraction or for them to think otherwise. If they’ve had a question, then they’re able to contact me. We’ve had informal, formal talks about it, but every teammate in here knows how I feel.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Cam Heyward Denies Being a Distraction For Steelers Locker Room
