Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward may not suit up in Week 1.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward has been practicing for the past two weeks after holding in for most of training camp amidst a contract dispute. However, that doesn’t mean he is willing to suit up for the team’s Week 1 matchup.
Heyward was recently asked if he is planning to play against the New York Jets, and his answer put his status in serious doubt.
“We’ll see,” he said on the latest episode of “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.”
That could quickly change if the Steelers are willing to give Heyward the raise that he wants and deserves.
The 36-year-old showed no signs of slowing down last season while racking up 71 tackles, eight sacks and 11 passes defensed.
“I’m looking for my contract to be addressed,” Heyward said. “Honestly, I’m looking to be valued. … I know what I bring to this team, what I’m capable of on and off the field. It’s hard for me, after the year I had, to really justify playing at the number I’m playing at.”
However, Heyward hinted the two sides are still nowhere close to resolving the situation.
“Nope,” he said. “Nothing to talk about.”
Heyward 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. So it’s soon time to find out if he will stay true to his word and continue standing his ground into the regular season.
The four-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler signed a two-year, $29 million contract extension with Pittsburgh last year that paid him a $14.7 million signing bonus, but guaranteed only that and his 2024 salary, which was $1.3 million.
Heyward was 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. He is also scheduled to earn a $12.95 million roster bonus in 2026, with a $1.3 million base salary.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Cam Heyward Leaves Week 1 Status in Doubt
