Steelers' Cam Heyward Provides An Update On His Polarizing Contract Situation

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a relatively drama-free offseason in 2024. They have been involved in a handful of rumors and General Manager Omar Khan has made more moves than fans are accustomed to; but there has been no malicious drama or distractions like some organizations have had. The closest thing to do that was Cam Heyward's near holdout, which only lasted for a few days during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). The veteran still desires a new deal, but he has been present with the team and plans to play.

Heyward is entering the final year of his current contract. Some have speculated he may want to retire soon, but he has expressed a clear desire for a new deal and recently shared his plans to play two more years in the NFL after the 2024 season. Heyward's heart is in Pittsburgh, and many players take a lot of pride to only wear one helmet throughout a long and illustrious career. The defender has spoken about how he is warming up to the idea of playing for another team, which would crush most fans. Heyward was asked for an update on his contract situation on Wednesday.

"Not right now. No new news. There is nothing to report, just going to keep my head down, just continue to control what I can control."

Ever since Heyward announced his desire for a new contract, it doesn't seem that the organization has entertained the idea much. Heyward is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career which was hindered by injury, and he never truly seemed to be back at 100 percent after suffering a groin injury in Week 1. It's unclear what kind of money the veteran would be asking for, but Khan seems hesitant to pull the trigger.

Heyward missed the entirety of six games during the 2023 season after being injured early on in the Steelers' opening loss against the San Francisco 49ers. He never seemed to be playing like himself once returning in Week 9, and his production certainly took a hit. He managed to record just two sacks on the year to go with 33 tackles. Heyward was asked for an update on his health Wednesday as the 2024 season opener rapidly approaches.

"I was dealing with that all of camp and then it finally just went during the first game. I'm feeling really good right now. Just been doing a lot of PT, a lot of massages, a lot of things outside of the football field just to be ready. Here to say I'm ready."

The veteran implied that his groin injury from 2023 actually began during training camp. He was dealing with it for a long period of time, but it finally got the best of him against the 49ers. He has had a ton of time to heal and get back to full health, and he has looked impressive during training camp. He is expected to be a big factor on the defensive line playing alongside Keeanu Benton. 

Steelers Are Unlikely To Get A Deal Done With Cam Heyward Before The Start Of The Season

The Steelers have a long-running tradition of not doing any contract business once the regular season begins. Typically, the organization likes to handle all extensions during camp and during the offseason, which was seen with Alex Highsmith in 2023. If Heyward doesn't get a new deal ahead of Week 1, he will have to wait until after the season.

Khan also has another player waiting on an extension in tight end Pat Freiermuth. Freiermuth is expected to be a big part of the offense under Arthur Smith. It would be ideal for Pittsburgh not to wait until after the season to get this done. If Freiermuth has his best season yet, he will be able to command more money. Pittsburgh will need to utilize some urgency to get a few contract situations sorted out ahead of the kickoff of the regular season.

Do you want the Steelers to get a new deal done with Heyward? Let us know in the comments below!

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