Cameron Heyward Practices with the Steelers, but Renegotiation Continues
Pittsburgh Steelers’ star defensive player Cameron Heyward joined individual workouts on Tuesday, although negotiations to restructure his contract have not yet advanced. A source revealed to Alofoke Deportes that there have been no significant changes in the All-Pro defensive lineman’s request. Heyward, who initiated a “hold-in” at training camp on August 7, was present at the last four practices at St. Vincent College. However, during team periods, he remained on the sidelines. Heyward’s return to training does not indicate that he has abandoned his desire to renegotiate his contract.Heyward, 36, expressed to the media on August 11 his intention to improve his compensation for the 2025 season, following an outstanding performance in 2024.He is a leader.
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Heyward signed a two-year, $29 million extension with the Steelers in September 2024, keeping him under contract through the 2026 season. According to OverTheCap.com, his contract, with an average annual value of $14.5 million, ranks 23rd among interior defensive linemen. Heyward first requested a raise in his compensation in February, after being recognized as an All-Pro following a season where he achieved eight sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and 71 combined tackles. He also led all defensive linemen with 11 passes defended. The lack of progress in negotiations contributed to his decision to conduct the “hold-in” earlier this month. Although Heyward did not make his specific contractual requests public, he mentioned that restructuring the bonus of his next year’s payroll in compensation for this year is something “similar” to what he is looking for.I seek to be valued. I know what I bring to this team and what I am capable of on and off the field, so I find it difficult, after the year I’ve had, to justify playing with the number I’m playing.
Cameron Heyward
It’s not unprecedented. There have been cases where this has happened before, and it makes me feel a little cautious, as it’s not unprecedented, and I think there’s an easier way to do this to continue to respect the Steelers and what they do, and have levels within a contract, but we’ll see.
Cameron Heyward