The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a very busy offseason. One of the biggest storylines was the team getting a massive extension done with superstar pass rusher TJ Watt. Now the outside linebacker will be earning $41 million per year with his new deal, making him the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL. His extension reaffirms his status as the face of the Steelers' defense and ensures Pittsburgh’s pass rush will remain dominant for years to come. Watt’s value goes beyond just sacks however, as he is the heartbeat of the defense, and keeping him secured long-term was a major priority for the front office.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt talks with longtime defensive leader Cam Heyward during training camp.
Ahead of the 2024 season, longtime captain Cameron Heyward was negotiating with the Steelers for a raise. While a new deal was reached then, the situation resurfaced right before the 2025 season when reports arose that Heyward had been in talks with the team since February of 2025.
Heyward, now at the age of 36 years old, remains a crucial piece of the Steelers' defense both on the field and as a leader in the locker room. However, negotiations have reportedly been complicated as the Steelers must balance rewarding a franchise cornerstone with preparing for the future of their defensive line.
Respected NFL insider Adam Schefter joined The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday to provide an update on the situation between the Steelers and Heyward. According to Schefter, while both sides have maintained dialogue throughout the offseason, there has yet to be a breakthrough. He emphasized that Pittsburgh values Heyward tremendously, but the organization is carefully weighing the financial implications of another significant use of money for the 2025 season. With Watt’s record breaking deal now finalized, the spotlight shifts to Heyward, and Steeler Nation is watching closely to see whether one of the franchise’s most respected veterans will get the raise he feels he deserves.
"Nope, nope, that did not go away, that is still there, and it is not resolved," Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday. "I think Cam Heyward talked about the fact that he was willing to retire. Now I have not heard anything since then."
It appeared that Heyward had been holding in, but many assumed the situation was over when it looked like he returned to team drills.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' star defensive lineman Cam Heyward and long-time Head Coach Mike Tomlin share a moment as they walk off the field after a game in the Steel City.
However, Schefter highlighted that the situation between Pittsburgh and Heyward is far from finished.
"This one just has not generated as much conversation either because people do not believe him or he is older or whatever it may be," Schefter said. "I think we have not heard the last of this one yet, and we will see which direction this goes. I don’t think he has been a part of a team practice yet. He has gone through individual drills, he has done running, but I do not think he has practiced with the team yet this summer."
The Steelers are expected to have one of the top defenses in the NFL for the 2025 season. To achieve that, they will obviously need Heyward’s presence up front. His leadership and play on the defensive line remain critical for Pittsburgh’s success.
Steelers Still Not Done With Cam Heyward Saga
Heyward is expected to play in the 2025 season, but he will continue to prioritize what is best for him. He has expressed concerns about the current situation and feels that playing under his current contract is unfair.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers' TJ Watt and Cam Heyward run while getting warmed up for practice.
Heyward is seeking a raise for the 2025 season, and it remains unclear what will happen if Pittsburgh does not grant it. The resolution of this situation will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as the season approaches.
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