Steelers' Cameron Heyward Sheds Light On Negotiations: "I Thought This Would Be A Whole Lot Easier"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are depending on defensive captain Cameron Heyward being ready to go for their Week 1 game against the New York Jets. With Derrick Harmon's knee sprain and the lack of depth at defensive line, losing #97 would be very hard to recover from, especially against a running quarterback that knows this unit very well in Justin Fields. In the final days and even hours leading up to the beginning of the regular season, the two sides are still working out a contract restructure to keep him happy for the next two seasons. 

During a recent press conference after Friday's practice, Heyward was asked about his optimism regarding getting a new deal done. His response was not exactly exciting for him or for the team.

"I wish I could be more optimistic, but I'm just trying to stay in the moment," Heyward explained. "I don't have all the answers, so it's more of me just waiting and seeing what can happen."

With less than 48 hours before the Steelers/Jets game kicks off, the lack of optimism for the restructured contract would signal that he won't get what he wants. While that does not outright mean that he will skip the first game, there is still no certainty about it as of now. Even though he previously said that most of his teammates know what will happen, he has not made his intentions entirely clear to the media. 

At the very least, Heyward did practice on Friday after taking a vet day off on Thursday, so that is a good sign. He is still preparing like he will play against the Jets while his whole situation has not been worked out yet. If he does play, it's not like he will be completely unprepared and just going through the motions. He is still a captain, and the defense still needs him out there. 

Heyward was later asked about if negotiations had been frustrating for him or not. He gave his honest option about the whole ordeal.

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't [frustrating]," Heyward said. "I thought this would be a whole lot easier, but it's gotten dragged on."

Heyward reportedly asked for a restructure back in February, and he held-in during training camp and the preseason while trying to redo his current deal. It is now September. There has been seven months to come to a middle ground, and there has instead been little to no progress made. It's unclear which side is refusing to budge or if it's both, but the whole ordeal is still concerning. 

Steelers Convinced Heyward To Give In Back During The 2024 Offseason

During the 2024 offseason program and training camp, Heyward held-in while negotiating an extension. He eventually signed a deal that he was not super comfortable with, but he claimed that he told the front office that he would come back after having a great season. That is exactly what he did, as he wants more guarantees for the 2026 season. 

Since the Steelers made Heyward give in once, they are hoping that they can do it again and make him play on the deal they agreed to in 2024. With time running short, it will likely become clear soon whether or not he will play in Week 1. Pittsburgh is likely counting on the idea that he is just bluffing about threatening to miss games. With the team's unwillingness to negotiate during the season, time is almost up.

What do you think about Heyward's statements on his restructure negotiations? Do you think he will play on Sunday? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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