The Pittsburgh Steelers have now found themselves in a bit of an interesting situation. At least publicly, that’s how it appears. News broke that longtime defensive captain Cam Heyward was holding in as he sought a raise. Many Steelers fans have differing opinions on this, largely because many believe Heyward just got a raise last year.
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Steelers' Cam Heyward stands beside TJ Watt while watching a training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
However, this is a new issue on Heyward’s mind. When the news first came out, Heyward didn’t speak to the media. On Monday, though, he finally addressed the situation and shared his side of the story. It was a welcome moment for Steelers fans to hear directly from their defensive leader.
The biggest takeaway from Heyward’s comments was that he is prepared to miss games in 2025 if necessary. That level of seriousness from a franchise cornerstone sent ripples through the fan base. It showed just how much Heyward values his contract situation and the importance he places on securing his future with the team.
For many fans, hearing this firsthand from Heyward provided clarity and a better understanding of the stakes involved. It was a candid moment that revealed the real potential consequences of the ongoing contract dispute. Despite Heyward’s openness, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly isn’t fully buying what Heyward is trying to sell. Kaboly shared his skepticism on social media Monday night, suggesting that Heyward’s stance might be more posturing than a firm intention to sit out games.
"I don't believe for a second that Cam Heyward will sit out a regular season game if his contract isn't amended," Kaboly said. "I give it less than 3% chance that it would happen."
Kaboly’s perspective reflects a common view among insiders who believe the situation may still be resolved before it impacts the field. Regardless, the tension around Heyward’s contract has clearly added a new layer of drama to the Steelers’ offseason and raised important questions about what lies ahead for one of their defensive pillars.
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Steelers defensive linemen Logan Lee (91) and Cam Heyward (97) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Not many truly believe the Steelers and Heyward won’t work this out eventually. They’ve had a long relationship, and Heyward is a key leader for the team. What’s confusing is what Kaboly said earlier on Monday night. He pointed out that it should be pretty easy for both sides to make each other happy. The fact that it hasn’t happened yet has some wondering if there’s a bigger issue brewing behind the scenes.
Kaboly’s comment suggests that this might be more than just a simple contract hold-in. It has people speculating whether there are deeper disagreements about Heyward’s contract terms or his role in the team’s future. The longer the stalemate continues, the more fans start to worry about how it could affect not only Heyward but also the locker room and the Steelers organization.
Still, contract talks are often complicated, and what seems straightforward from the outside usually isn’t. Kaboly’s insight highlights how tough it can be to balance a player’s demands with salary cap limits and team needs. For now, everyone is hoping the Steelers and Heyward can reach an agreement soon so he’s ready to lead on the field in 2025.
Steelers Star Kicker Chris Boswell Also Wants More Money Before 2025 Season
After the news broke about Heyward, it was revealed an hour later that kicker Chris Boswell also wanted a raise. Boswell is currently the eighth highest-paid kicker in the league; however, many view him as arguably the best kicker in the NFL.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and kicker Chris Boswell (9) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
It sounds like Boswell wants to be paid accordingly. There’s no doubt that whatever Boswell is asking for, he’s likely going to get it, given how reliable he has been for Pittsburgh over the last several seasons.
What % chance do you give that Heyward will miss any games in 2025 over this 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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