Cameron Heyward signaled a readiness to miss regular-season games if needed as he pursues a contract renegotiation on the Steelers’ 2024 extension. The hold-in elevates the drama ahead of Week 1 against the New York Jets, with Heyward stressing he values what he brings to Pittsburgh and wants it reflected financially while he stays focused on football.
His two-year, $29 million deal runs through 2026, with a $14.75 million 2025 total including a $13.45 million guaranteed roster bonus and a non-guaranteed path beyond this season. He muscled through a Pro/PF All-Pro year in 2024—17 games, eight sacks, 20 QB hits, 71 tackles, and 11 passes defended—using it as motivation to push for market-reflective value rather than a punitive pay cut.
The Steelers remains in talks with GM Omar Khan, team president Art Rooney II and coach Mike Tomlin as Heyward contemplates options like converting next year’s bonus into guarantees or creating tiered guarantees. The market for interior disruptors is sharp: Chris Jones tops at about $31.75 million per year with $95 million guaranteed, while Zach Allen’s four-year, $102 million pact with Denver carries $69.5 million guaranteed and an average of $25.5 million. Heyward’s stance reflects both pride in performance and a strategic leverage earned by a standout 2024 season.
Ultimately, the hold-in underscores Heyward’s desire to be valued fairly while preserving Steelers’ respect and a practical path to extension. He continues conversations with Khan, Rooney II and Tomlin as Pittsburgh eyes Week 1 against the Jets and gauges leverage against a tight-wide interior-DL market.
