For the first time since his hold-in was reported, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward addressed his contract situation with the team.
Cam Heyward gives insight into how Steelers could end contract dispute originally appeared on The Sporting News
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward is in the midst of a hold-in as the veteran seeks a contract adjustment.
Heyward, who signed an extension in 2024, is slated to make $14.75 million in 2025, with $13.45 million of that total having been paid out already via a roster bonus in March.
Heyward believes he's worth more than that, and it's hard to argue he isn't after a year in which he bounced back following a down 2023 season, leading to a Pro Bowl and All-Pro nod. Heyward currently ranks 23rd in annual average among interior defensive linemen, per Over the Cap.
“Honestly, I’m looking to be valued,” Heyward stated. “In my eyes, when I look around at my position, I think I’m 22nd [in compensation] as a defensive tackle, I’m 32nd as a defensive lineman. I know what I bring to this team and what I’m capable of on and off the field. It’s hard for me, after the year I had, to justify playing at the number I’m playing at.”
Heyward was asked if the Steelers guaranteeing his 2026 roster bonus money, which totals $12.95 million, might be enough to get him to end his hold-in. It sounds like he's open to something along those lines.
"Being respectful to the process of what both sides are trying to accomplish, I would definitely say that's something similar I'm thinking about," he said.
Some Steelers fans have been frustrated with Heyward, considering he just signed his extension in 2024. Heyward noted that he told the Steelers he'd be looking for a rework of his deal if he had an All-Pro year, which he did.
"I understand I signed the contract last year, but to be completely honest with you, when I signed that, I told them, 'When I have an All-Pro year, expect me to come back and you can look at the contract and see what it was,'" he said. "But I think everyone kind of giggled a little bit, but in my head I use it as motivation."
What's troubling for the Steelers here is that Heyward is not ruling out holding out into the start of the season.
"There are definitely options out there that could reflect that," Heyward said of a possible holdout. "My goal is to be out here, and I don't know what's going to happen. I've had to be honest with myself to be ready for every option."
Heyward isn't the only Steelers veteran seeking a rework of his contract, as kicker Chris Boswell is reportedly in the same boat. Boswell is one of the best kickers in the NFL, yet ranks 11th in annual average among kickers.
Category: Football
