The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the headlines a ton due to the aggressive offseason the organization had. The regular season is finally getting set to kick off for Pittsburgh in just under a week, which the fan base is very anxious for as it is hard to decipher how the team will look with all the changes that have already taken place. Pittsburgh also has some outstanding contract disputes, as both Cam Heyward and Chris Boswell are still looking for their deals to be restructured in a way that reflects their true value to the team.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward sips on some water as he watches the defense practice during his hold-in at 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The most noteworthy contract dispute Pittsburgh had during the 2025 offseason was with star outside linebacker TJ Watt. He was entering the final season of his deal in 2025, and he wanted a new contract extension. It was a long and drawn out process, but the deal eventually got done to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league at the time. Now, Heyward's contract is the major issue plaguing Pittsburgh before the start of the regular season. The veteran practiced on Monday, but Watt was asked by Mike Prisuta about the situation and whether or not Heyward will play on Sunday.
Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton laboring Monday, followed by Alex Highsmith, T.J. Watt. But will Heyward play on Sunday? Watt: “I hope he does. I hope the deal gets done.” And if no deal gets done? Watt: “You’d have to ask him that question.” Heyward not in locker room to answer any. pic.twitter.com/AF5kWJQEKj
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) September 1, 2025
Heyward was not available to the media as he goes through this situation with the organization, but he was at least on the practice field putting work in, which is a good sign. The Steelers famously do not conduct contractual business during the season, so there is a hard deadline to figure this situation out before the season kicks off on Sunday.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward (97) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Heyward held-in for the majority of training camp, but he has been back on the field as of late. He still wants his pay for the 2025 season restructured as he feels he deserves more money after being an All-Pro in 2024. His request is reasonable considering how much he has done for the Steelers and how well he performed in 2024, but it can be considered a distraction. He is at least on the field practicing with the team, but if a deal doesn't get done by Sunday, it is unknown whether or not he will suit up.
Watt spoke up for his teammate and stated that he wants the deal to get done soon. The organization is certainly working on it due to the importance of Heyward to the defense, but things seem bleak as it has not been reported whether any progress has been made.
Steelers Need Cam Heyward Early In The Season
Heyward is vital to the success of the Steelers. He is a pivotal force in stopping the run and in getting pressure on the quarterback, and it should be assumed that the defense will look noticeably different without him on the field. Pittsburgh did inject some youth into the defensive line by selecting Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black in the 2025 NFL Draft, but Harmon sprained his MCL during the preseason finale and he is expected to miss some time. Black should be able to make an impact, but he will not be starting to begin the season.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Derrick Harmon (99) and Yahya Black (78) during rookie minicamp in 2025.
Due to Harmon's injury and the lack of overall depth on the defensive line, it is crucial that Heyward is on the field to open up the 2025 season. The decision makers in the front office likely know this, which should make the fan base somewhat optimistic that a deal could be agreed to soon.
What do you think about Watt's comments on the Heyward situation? Let us know in the comments below!
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