How Steelers’ Cam Heyward Discussed Contract Situation Amid Hold-In

Cam Heyward confirmed that he’s seeking a new contract when addressing the situation on Monday.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle hasn’t participated fully in training camp practices while seeking a new deal a year after signing a two-year extension. Heyward explained to reporters Monday, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, that he wants to be paid commensurate with his top peers.

“I’m looking for my contract to be addressed,” Heyward said. “Honestly, I’m looking to be valued. In my eyes, when I look around at my position, I think I’m like 22nd as a d-tackle and 36th as a d-lineman. I know what I bring to this team and what I’m capable of on and off the field. So it’s hard for me, after the year I’ve had, to justify playing at the number I’m playing at.”

After missing six games in 2023, Heyward returned to register 71 tackles and eight sacks in his fourth All-Pro campaign. The 36-year-old said he informed Steelers brass last year that he’d want to renegotiate his deal if he rebounded to peak form, but they may not have taken the warning seriously.

“I told them, when I have an All-Pro year, expect me to come back,” Heyward said. “… I think everybody kind of giggled a little bit. But in my head, I used it as motivation to go out and prove it.”

Heyward may be willing to escalate his camp hold-in to receive a new contract. The 14-year Steelers stalwart left the door open to sitting out regular-season games.

“I think there are definitely options out there that could reflect that,” Heyward said.

Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin downplayed any concerns of Heyward’s situation causing a distraction. He’s also not worried about the veteran being ready for the season if he misses more practice time before resolving the contract dispute.

“He’s in every meeting. He is a leader,” Austin said. “The stuff that he feels he has to do, that’s what he’s taking care of. We’re out there playing. He’s helping. He’s doing all the things he can until it’s time to really get going.”

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