Pittsburgh's standout defensive tackle Cameron Heyward joins his Steelers teammates on the practice field
Pittsburgh Steelers' Cameron Heyward Seeks Contract Rework Amidst Holdout
Pittsburgh Steelers' All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is seeking a restructured deal to increase his salary, as he enters the 2025 season under his existing contract. Despite a standout 2024 season that earned him first-team All-Pro honors for the fourth time, Heyward finds himself ranked only 23rd among interior defensive linemen in average annual value.
Heyward, who has spent his entire career with the Steelers, has been attending practices in street clothes since training camp opened this month. His holdout started in early August, causing him to miss several practices as he pressed for a raise reflecting his recent production. By mid-August, he returned to practice, but sources indicate that there has been no significant progress on a new contract renegotiation.
The Steelers and Heyward have addressed this privately, but no deal has been reached, and Heyward’s full participation in camp remains inconsistent. The 36-year-old defensive lineman, who is scheduled to earn $14.75 million in 2025, believes his performance in the 2024 season justifies a higher pay, especially considering the defensive line's salary environment.
Financially, Heyward is scheduled to earn $14.75 million in 2025, with $13.45 million already earned as a roster bonus, and $14.5 million in 2026. However, he feels this compensation does not match his market value, given the defensive line's salary environment, especially after the Steelers allocated large contracts to other stars such as T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey.
The Steelers' position, as represented by some analysts and insiders, is that Heyward recently signed a multi-year deal in 2024, which limits the team’s incentive to renegotiate so soon. Some expect the team may wait for Heyward to return and then possibly offer minor concessions like advancing roster bonuses rather than fully restructure or increase the contract ceiling.
Heyward's career statistics suggest heavy Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration upon his retirement. In the 2024 season, he recorded 71 tackles, eight sacks, and a career-high 11 pass breakups, leading all defensive linemen in the league in pass breakups. With 88.5 career sacks in 211 games (176 starts), Heyward has demonstrated his value to the Steelers on and off the field.
On Tuesday, reports did not indicate any progress in Heyward's contract situation. Heyward expressed a desire to be valued, citing his contributions to the team, and a desire to be paid more this season after his career year in 2024. He made it clear that he wants his share of the financial pie.
Head coach Mike Tomlin observed Heyward involved in team sessions and active in individual practice periods. As the 2025 season approaches, the Steelers and Heyward will need to find a resolution to this contract stalemate, with Heyward's full participation in camp remaining crucial for the team's success. The dispute remains ongoing with no resolution as of late August 2025.
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