The Pittsburgh Steelers are in another rough contract situation with their defensive captain Cameron Heyward. After being named First Team All-Pro in his age 35 season, he is looking for a restructure of his current deal. There's little public information if he wants a raise, or just guaranteed money for the 2026 season so he doesn't get cut easily. Either way, some fans are concerned with this hold-in, especially since this is the second-straight year that he has refused to participate in certain activities due to his contract.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7918-544x306.jpg "Steelers Cam Heyward")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers captain and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (#97) stands on the field as Pittsburgh works out during a 2023 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Heyward has not lost any respect in the locker room during these hold-ins, clearly. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin continued to sing his praises as he detailed all the ways his captain has been helpful while not actually participating in practice.
More from Teryl Austin on Cam Heyward: “He's in every meeting. He is a leader. The stuff that he feels he has to do, that's what he’s taking care of. We’re out there playing. He’s helping. He’s doing all the things he can until it's time to really get going.”
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 11, 2025
Heyward isn't just skipping everything and going AWOL on his team. He still has to set some sort of example while fighting for what he thinks he deserves. Austin also brought up the fact that he likely doesn't need to be present in training camp right now because of his experience.
Steelers DC Teryl Austin on Cam Heyward missing some team reps as he seeks a contract revision: “I think he’s had like 63,000 (reps) in his career, so he's probably good.”
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 11, 2025
There are plenty of players that do need every rep that they can get in training camp and preseason, like rookies Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black. Heyward has not abandoned them and left them on their own. He has continued to be the mentor and leader that they need him to be. Black already looks like he could be the steal of the draft, and having the captain by his side definitely does not hurt in this case.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers' first year defensive linemen Derrick Harmon (99) and Yahya Black (78) during rookie minicamp in 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Of course, Heyward is also not allowing himself to sit around and get out of shape, as Austin mentioned. He is still working out every day and taking good care of his body. When the contract negotiations get sorted out, it is expected that he will not skip a beat and will go back to being the All-Pro defensive tackle that he has proven to be, despite his age.
Steelers Rookies Have Benefitted From Heyward's Lack Of Playing Time
Obviously, someone has to step up into the starting defensive tackle role with Heyward not practicing or playing yet. Harmon is already expected to be a starter, but he can also get some reps at the captain's position on the right side of the interior line and see if he can thrive there when Heyward eventually retires.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon runs through drills as the team practices during 2025 mandatory minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
While Black is officially listed as nose tackle on the depth chart, he did not line up at that position during preseason in Week 1. He played on the other two interior defensive line positions during the game with the hybrid first/second team defense. He is not expected to be a starter in 2025, but he can still let the coaches know that he deserves more reps by dominating against other teams' starting offensive guards.
What do you think about Heyward continuing to help the team out despite not playing, as well as how the rookies have thrived in his stead? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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