The Pittsburgh Steelers' fan base seems to have turned on longtime captain Cam Heyward. This started after news leaked that Heyward has privately been negotiating with the Steelers since February about receiving a pay raise. What has upset the fan base so much is the fact that Heyward just signed a new deal right before the 2024 season.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Cam Heyward yells after making a huge play during a game in the Steel City of Pittsburgh.
Now, with the Steelers finally ready for the 2025 season and going all in to help him achieve the playoff success that has eluded him for much of his career, some fans feel betrayed that he is asking for more money at such a critical time. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo added more insight into the sticking point between Pittsburgh and Heyward during his appearance on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday.
If what Fittipaldo is saying is accurate, Heyward’s demands could be eating into the budget Pittsburgh had set aside to make one final splash before the season kicks off. This has created growing frustration among fans who believe the team’s cap space should be used to strengthen the roster, not rework a contract that was already extended less than a year ago.
"You need salary cap money if you are going out and signing a legit guy," Fittipaldo said. "I mean, they can go out and get anyone for $3-5 million a year, but if you are going to go out and actually get a guy, you are going to have to pay him more than that. That money is actually part of the sticking point with Cam Heyward too. How much do you give him? Do you advance him money knowing there is still a move to be made at receiver or another position if an injury happens in training camp?"
The tension is further amplified by the fact that Pittsburgh has been linked to potential moves for another offensive weapon to pair with Aaron Rodgers.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf smile as they talk during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
After aggressively reshaping the roster this offseason, the Steelers are in win-now mode and adding another playmaker could make all the difference in a tight AFC race.
"I don’t think there will be a new contract," Fittipaldo told 93.7 The Fan on Thursday. "Andy [Weidl] also was asked about the receiver position. He acknowledged that Calvin Austin III has not been there. They are going to do their due diligence on wide receivers."
If Heyward’s request forces the team to scale back its spending plans, it could leave them a piece short of truly competing for a championship. For a fan base desperate to see the Lombardi Trophy return to Pittsburgh, the optics of their respected captain holding in for more money at this moment could not be worse.
Steelers Fans Are Not Happy With Cam Heyward
The Steelers' fan base has watched this team go without a playoff win since the 2016 season. Heyward is well aware of those struggles, and now at 36 years old, fans are especially upset that so close to the season, with a chance for one final run at a championship before his career ends, he is asking for a raise. To many, it feels like strange timing. However, there are fans who understand Heyward’s request and still support him despite the controversy.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin blows fans a kiss while walking off the field with Cam Heyward.
It will be interesting to see what truly happens with Heyward in the coming weeks. The Steelers could look to bring in another veteran playmaker to strengthen their roster for the 2025 campaign. However, his ongoing hold-in may be getting in the way of those plans, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to a season where the team is pushing all their chips to the middle of the table.
How do you feel about Heyward's hold-in and his request for more money? 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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