Cameron Heyward‘s sudden hold-in could lead to regular-season absences. While speaking with reporters today, the Steelers defensive lineman hinted that he’d be willing to sit out regular season games as he pursues a revised deal.
[RELATED: Cameron Heyward Seeking Steelers Contract Adjustment]
“I think there are definitely options out there that could reflect that,” Heyward said (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor).
“I’m looking to be valued,” Heyward added (via Pryor). “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’ve had, to justify playing at the number I’m playing at.”
It was only a year ago that the Steelers tacked on a two-year, $29MM extension to the veteran’s expiring contract. Coming off one of the least productive seasons of his career in 2023, Heyward reverted back to his All-Pro play in 2024. The likely future Hall of Famer finished last season with 71 tackles, eight sacks, and 20 QB hits, leading to an All-Pro nod.
Considering his resurgent campaign, Heyward is now dissatisfied with his current pact. While the player’s hold-in seemed to come out of nowhere, Heyward claims he warned the organization that he’d want to return to the negotiating table if he quickly outperformed his extension (via Mark Kaboly). Heyward said the front office “giggled” at this notion, providing motivation for his comeback performance in 2024.
Heyward’s hold-in kicked off last week, although he had primarily done work off to the side during the early phases of training camp. We heard at the time that the two sides had indeed discussed the 36-year-old’s issues with his contract, although it sounds like there hasn’t been any progress. The Steelers are coming off an offseason where they had to navigate T.J. Watt‘s extension, perhaps explaining why the Heyward showdown has only recently become public.
With a $14.5MM average annual value, Heyward’s contract only ranks 22nd among interior defensive linemen. Even bumping those annual earnings to $20MM wouldn’t place Heyward in the top-10 of his position. The Steelers could perhaps explore increasing the player’s 2025 earnings, or the two sides could even pursue a divorce. Heyward was once open to exploring a post-Pittsburgh path last year, but it’s uncertain if his current problems with the organization would lead to this path.
The Steelers already put in some work finding a potential Heyward successor, as the team used a first-round pick on Oregon’s Derrick Harmon. The rookie could easily slide into the starting lineup if the veteran decides to sit out games.
The Steelers will cave like they always do
This guy just got through pouting this time last year to wrangle an extension. Now this.
From the guy who chastised Rodgers for dragging his feet to sign here
He’s made $130M in his career and likes to plug himself as a “team guy”. Instead, he’s just another selfish turd
God forbid a guy try to get his last payday after having a good year. I will never understand this mindset, these guys shorten their lives significantly for your enjoyment but shame on them for wanting a few more millions before CTE takes over their brain and years wear and tear takes their body.
Did he give any money back after his awful 2023 season? No. He even got an extension.
Tell him to play his current deal or sit. Then see what he can get in free agency after the season at 37 years old.
Please. I’ll never understand the mindset that has fans fawning at the feet of players, especially selfish clowns like this one. I guess the hypocrisy he spews is part of the process
Prima Donna…..an applicable term
I’d love to see the Steelers tell him to go ahead and sit out. But they won’t.
As for your attempting to find some nobility in these guys for making such commitments, it seems your priorities are out of whack. These aren’t the Marines fighting on Iwo Jima. They’ve had wonderful lives since high school for playing a game. For them, the trade off has been easy
Football players back in the old days had to have jobs in the off-season to live. Now, these guys make enough for 10 generations of their family to live. I understand owners make a ton of money, but they own the business for a reason. Owners also spend a ton of money on players that suck or are injured. They can’t make everyone the highest paid player, especially one year after signing a new contract. And if CTE or wear and tear is such a big concern, they could retire after one contract, invest their money and live comfortably for the rest of their lives.
Hannibal….football is voluntary and he’s been paid more than most people make in 3 lifetimes. You make it sound like he’s been asked to do 5 tours in Fallujah.
Bye Felicia
We want volunteers not hostages.
He got a raise last year after missing 6 games the previous season.
He’s gone from team player to complainer
I heard a quote about that:
“You either want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t”
If only I could remember who said it???
“You either want to be a Steeler or you don’t?”. Isn’t that what he said about Rodgers? I guess that doesn’t apply to a guy already under contract.
So then he owes them money for underperforming for what he was paid in 2023. Sounds like a wash to me. Go honor your contract or retire, your choice.
Go ahead whiny punk. Your bonus is your trash brother gets put on payroll when he has no business 100 miles from a football field.
He is a great player and likely going to the hall of fame. But, he signed a deal. Don’t like it? Don’t sign it! Bet on yourself. Go get your bag somewhere else. This level of selfishness is awful. You either want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t Cam. Figure it out.
#disappointedinCam
#crybaby
I get that Heyward’s trying to maximize his value, but in this case, Pittsburgh did do what he wanted only a year ago and gave him a two year deal. He’s not getting cut, zero danger of that (at least, before this dispute), so in this case I think it’s Heyward who needs to recognize that he’s asking for too much. Still a great player all time, and he had a historic season for his age, but it’s just really hypocritical to say what he did in the offseason and then suddenly be willing to go against all that.