Steelers' Cam Heyward Now Prepared To Miss Regular Season Games Over Contract Dispute

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ longstanding defensive captain Cam Heyward decided to skip Organized Team Activities ahead of the 2024 season. That was big news because it was the first time in his career he missed OTAs. Heyward was doing what he believed was best for himself, making sure he positioned himself to secure a new contract before the 2024 season. He did just that.

The Steelers thought they had done right by Heyward, but apparently, he still wasn’t satisfied. Tensions over the contract talks lingered throughout the offseason, creating slight uncertainty around the veteran’s future with the team. Fans and analysts watched closely, wondering how this standoff might affect the Steelers’ defense and locker room chemistry.

After training camp on Monday, Heyward finally broke his silence and spoke to the media, via a clip from Steelers insider Chris Adamski, about his hold-in. He was clear about when negotiations began and outlined exactly what he wants from the team moving forward. His candid remarks provided much-needed clarity on the situation and showed his commitment to finding a resolution.

"I am looking for my contract to be addressed," Heyward told a group of Steelers reporters on Monday after practice. "I am honestly looking to be valued. When I look around at my position, I think I am like 22nd… I know what I bring to this team and what I am capable of, on and off the field."

Heyward made it clear that conversations about the new contract started back in February of 2025. He also stated that he warned the Steelers during their 2024 negotiations that after he turned in an All-Pro year, they would need to talk further. 

Maybe the Steelers laughed because they didn't think Heyward could be an All-Pro at 35 years old. Now he's 36 and wants Pittsburgh to hold up their end of the deal. That’s what sounds like ended up happening, and now Heyward wants to make sure he gets paid what he deserves by the organization.

"It's hard for me to, after the year I had, to really justify playing on the number I am playing at," Heyward said. "To be completely honest with you, when I signed the deal last year, I told them when I have an All-Pro year, I wanna come back (and renegotiate)… everyone kind of giggled, but I used it as motivation."

It sounds like Heyward watched how much players at his position were being paid in the market. Perhaps the greatest and scariest statement he made is the part where he talked about playing in 2025. It's likely just a tactic to get what he wants but it does sound like Heyward is prepared to sit out if it comes to that.

He came to the post-practice interview knowing where he ranked among players in the league in terms of pay. He has now publicly stated that he just wants whatever he feels is the correct value. Whether that’s fair or not, or how Steelers fans react to these comments, is a different story.

Steelers Fans Seem Upset At Cam Heyward

Steelers fans love Heyward, but they aren’t shy about critiquing him when they feel they can. They criticized his play after the 2023 season, and then he turned in an All-Pro performance in 2024. Now Heyward hears the doubt again, but this time he wants what he feels he’s due. 

One thing is certain: Heyward still feels like he’s in the prime of his career, even at this stage. It feels as if the Steelers fan base is upset with Heyward. However, Heyward doesn't care. He wants to get his money and it's never fair to critique a human for doing that.

Steeler Nation, what do you think about Heyward's honest explanation about his current hold in? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and toss a follow.

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