The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the full swing of things at training camp in Latrobe, PA as the team prepares for its first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. The team is coming into shape and the fans are getting a better idea of what the unit might look like once the regular season rolls around, but there is still some unfinished business that must be handled. On Thursday, it was reported that the organization is still dealing with some contractual issues, as Cam Heyward is looking for a restructured deal, and Chris Boswell is looking for an extension.
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Steelers' Cam Heyward yells after making a huge play during a game in the Steel City of Pittsburgh.
Heyward has been in Latrobe for training camp, but he has not been practicing in full. He has technically been holding-in, and it was reported on Thursday that it is because he wants a restructured deal with a raise that reflects the rising market of the defensive tackle position. This makes sense considering he was an All-Pro in 2024, and he probably outperformed his current contract. He signed his new deal ahead of the 2024 season, which some fans were skeptical about, but it wound up working out as he was one of the best in the league at this position.
Some fans are frustrated with his newest contract demands, mainly because he was looking for a new deal just a year ago, and he got it. It could be seen as a distraction by some, but defensive lineman Keeanu Benton spoke to the media after practice on Thursday and shared that there is no reason to be worried.
"You'll see him out there working his tail off, just in different ways," Benton said of Heyward. "But he's still out here being a leader. So I respect him for that. I don't think it's a distraction. He still puts his two cents in when it comes to teaching us techniques and stuff like that, so I don't feel like it changes for us."
The four-time All-Pro has been very professional in Pittsburgh, as he has been in Latrobe for two weeks, but he has not made this matter public. It was just reported on Thursday, but he has still been seen helping teammates on the field at practice, and he hasn't spoken about the contract dispute publicly just yet.
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Steelers' Cam Heyward during training camp in 2025 at Saint Vincent College.
Heyward had a down year in 2023 as he dealt with various injuries, but he bounced back in a strong way in 2024. He had one of the better seasons of his career at the age of 35, and he was named a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro. His production is not expected to drop off going into 2025 either. Missing practices shouldn't be much of a worry as he is well experienced; if anything, the rest is probably good for him. According to Benton, he has still been vocal in meetings and in helping his teammates with their technique.
Fans should not worry about Heyward being on the field for the 2025 season. A new, restructured deal will likely be agreed to soon, which should put Heyward in line to be on the field in Week 1.
Steelers Could Benefit From Cam Heyward's Hold-In
Heyward not actively participating in practices could be good for Pittsburgh. This opens up reps for some of the younger guys in the room, and it also allows Heyward to coach them up. Pittsburgh wants to see Benton take another step forward, and a lot is also expected from rookies Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Derrick Harmon (99) and Yahya Black (78) during rookie minicamp in 2025.
Heyward not participating in practice opens up reps for these younger guys, which also allows the coaching staff to further evaluate the young players. In the long run, this could be beneficial, as long as a restructured deal gets agreed to before the 2025 regular season kicks off.
What do you think about Benton's comments discussing Heyward's hold-in? Let us know in the comments below!
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