Steelers' Cam Heyward Puts His Sunday Status In Doubt With New Comments

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to kick off the 2025 season on Sunday as the team will travel to MetLife Stadium to play the New York Jets. It is going to be interesting to see how the team performs early on in the year due to all of the new pieces that have been brought into the fold, and it might take some time to build up some cohesion. However, it will also be interesting to watch how Cam Heyward and Chris Boswell approach this contest, as both players are still searching for some restructured deals that reflect their true value to the team.

Heyward signed an extension prior to the 2024 season, but he wants a raise for the 2025 season after having one of the best years of his career. He was an All-Pro and one of the best defensive tackles in the league last year, but his pay does not reflect that as he is currently set to earn under $20 million -- which doesn't necessarily reflect the current market at defensive tackle. He held-in throughout training camp, but he was back on the field on Monday as Pittsburgh prepared to play the Jets. On the most recent episode of his podcast Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, he was asked if he had anything to report on the matter.

"Nope," Heyward said. "Nothing to break. Nothing to talk about."

The veteran did not seem to have any updates, but it is likely being discussed between the organization and his agent throughout the week. The Steelers do not normally conduct contractual business throughout the regular season, so this matter has a hard deadline, which would be the start of the regular season on Sunday for Pittsburgh. This likely means both sides are working to get the deal done by then.

Heyward is one of the team captains in Pittsburgh, but that doesn't mean he won't sit out of a game if he has to. If he doesn't get the restructured deal that he wants by the time kickoff rolls around in New Jersey this weekend, there is a chance he might choose not to play. He was asked by his co-host on his podcast if this was a legitimate reality during his most recent episode.

"We'll see," Heyward said.

It sounds like the veteran defender has thought about what it would be like not to take the field on Sunday, and it is a decision he is weighing based on whether or not the organization can meet his current requests. He just wants some extra money for the 2025 season, and Pittsburgh is one of the franchises with the most cap space heading into the 2025 campaign. It is good to have additional financial flexibility throughout the season, but it is clear to see that the organization can spare a few million to add onto Heyward's deal to make him happy and get him onto the field.

Steelers Need Cam Heyward Early In The 2025 Season

Despite his age, Heyward is one of the best defensive tackles in the league. He is able to clog up running lanes while also pushing the pocket, which is everything a team could ask for. He was one of the best players in Pittsburgh in 2024, and it is clear he deserves to be paid a little bit more than what he is set to earn. It is vital that the organization finds a way to get him on the field on Sunday, especially with the knee injury to first-round defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. He could miss a handful of games with a sprained MCL, and Pittsburgh's lack of depth on the defensive line makes it critical that Heyward is on the field.

The fan base has been frustrated with Heyward for being in the middle of a contract dispute for the second season in a row. Many feel it creates unnecessary drama. However, it seems like most of his teammates are on his side.

What do you think about Heyward's remarks? Let us know in the comments below!

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