Cam Heyward is seeking a pay raise from the Pittsburgh Steelers after posting an All-Pro season in 2024, and it sounds like the veteran defensive tackle is willing to sit out regular-season games to obtain a renegotiated deal.
On Monday, Heyward spoke to the media for the first time since his hold-in from practice went public due to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The seven-time Pro Bowler stated that he requested a new contract in February, and hinted that he could opt not to play at the start of the regular season if the Steelers don’t address his contract.
“Honestly, I’d love to be valued,” Heyward said via Chris Adamski of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I know what I bring to this team and what I’m capable of, on and off the field. So, it’s hard for me to, after the year I’ve had, to really justify playing at the number I’m playing at.”
“When I look at the market, and I look at what I’ve done, it’s hard to really wrap my head around playing at a number where I’m not even half of what the rest of the market is,” Heyward added on his contract situation.
Heyward signed a two-year extension worth $29 million with the Steelers last offseason and is under contract through the 2026 season. However, the 36-year-old posted another phenomenal season in 2024 with eight sacks and another first-team All-Pro selection, leading to him asking for more money from the team.
According to Over the Cap, Heyward is the 23rd highest-paid player at his position with an average annual value of $14.5 million. The defensive tackle market has skyrocketed in recent years, so Heyward wants to get paid his worth.
With the Ohio State product being older, Pittsburgh is likely hesitant to give him a deal with more money, but there’s no denying Heyward’s value and importance to Mike Tomlin’s team.
The Steelers need Heyward available for the season opener versus the New York Jets on September 7, so it’s hard to imagine a scenario where both sides can’t get something done before then.
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