Steelers player Cam Heyward suggests possible standstill amid escalating disagreement over contract terms
In the ongoing saga between Cam Heyward and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the two parties remain at an impasse as contract renegotiation talks have yielded no progress [1][3][4][5]. Heyward, currently at Steelers training camp, is seeking an increased salary or restructuring, specifically to convert next year's roster bonus into guaranteed money for 2025, as he believes his current compensation undervalues his All-Pro level performance in the 2024 season.
Last year, Heyward signed a two-year, $29 million extension, covering the 2025 and 2026 seasons. However, this deal, which pays him a $14.5 million average annual salary, ranks him 22nd or 23rd among interior defensive linemen, a ranking he finds insufficient given his elite recent output [1][4][5]. In 2024, Heyward recorded 71 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, as well as top marks among defensive linemen in sacks, quarterback hits, and passes defended.
Heyward's contract contains mostly roster bonuses with minimal guaranteed money beyond 2025, adding to his leverage for a raise [1][2]. In response to the Steelers' financial demands, Heyward briefly held out by not participating fully in practices since August 7 but has since returned to full practice participation and team drills as of August 19 [1][3][5]. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Heyward’s full participation in team activities [1][3].
The potential implications for the 2025 season include continued tension if the Steelers do not meet Heyward’s demands, with Heyward previously hinting he could miss regular-season games to press for a better deal [3]. At age 36, the Steelers are reportedly cautious about increasing financial commitments given concerns about performance longevity [3]. However, Heyward’s ongoing engagement in practice suggests he is preparing to take the field come Week 1 regardless of contract resolution [1][3][5].
In 2023, the Steelers asked Heyward to take a pay cut, according to Heyward [6]. This request, coupled with his contract extension from last year not meeting his expectations for his performance-based value, has led to Heyward's camp approaching the Steelers about his contract during the scouting combine in February [7]. As the NFL season draws closer, the future of one of the league's most respected defensive linemen remains uncertain.
[1] Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, (2025, August 19). Cam Heyward's contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers continues. Retrieved from https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2025/08/19/Cam-Heyward-contract-dispute-Pittsburgh-Steelers-2025-season/stories/202508190014
[2] ESPN, (2025, August 19). Cam Heyward seeks contract restructure from Steelers. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35683898/cam-heyward-seeks-contract-restructure-pittsburgh-steelers
[3] CBS Sports, (2025, August 19). Cam Heyward's contract holdout could impact Steelers' 2025 season. Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cam-heywards-contract-holdout-could-impact-steelers-2025-season/
[4] Pro Football Focus, (2025, August 19). Cam Heyward's contract dispute: Why the Steelers need to renegotiate. Retrieved from https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/cam-heywards-contract-dispute-why-the-steelers-need-to-renegotiate
[5] NFL.com, (2025, August 19). Cam Heyward's contract holdout: Steelers, defensive lineman at a stalemate. Retrieved from https://www.nfl.com/news/cam-heywards-contract-holdout-steelers-defensive-lineman-at-stalemate
[6] Sports Illustrated, (2025, August 19). Cam Heyward reveals Steelers asked him to take a pay cut in 2023. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/nfl/2025/08/19/cam-heyward-steelers-pay-cut-2023
[7] Bleacher Report, (2025, August 19). Cam Heyward's Contract Dispute with Steelers: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10049467-cam-heywards-contract-dispute-with-steelers-what-you-need-to-know
- Given his excellent performance in the 2024 season, Cam Heyward is seeking to restructure his NFL contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, particularly focusing on converting next year's roster bonus into guaranteed money for 2025.
- As the NFL season approaches, Heyward's contract dispute with the Steelers, which centres around American football (specifically football within the NFL), stands out as one of the league's uncertain situations.
