Cam Heyward returned to Steelers practice in pads after weeks of holding in while seeking a renegotiated contract with a raise. He appeared in individual drills and then joined a media-free padded team session, signaling a step toward football readiness. The contract talks have shown little movement since Aug. 7, even as Heyward dedicated himself to proving value after a strong 2024 season that earned first-team All-Pro honors. Pittsburgh’s leverage hinges on market benchmarks and Heyward’s age and durability.

Context matters: Kansas City’s Chris Jones ranks as the marquee interior defender with about $31.75 million per year, while Heyward sits at $14.5 million on his current deal. ESPN noted Heyward’s plan to return to negotiations after an All-Pro year, highlighting the tension between production and cap reality. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Heyward’s pad work, with Week 1 looming against the Jets, making conditioning and leverage pivotal as camps close.

As the preseason dwindles, the Steelers balance cap constraints with a veteran anchor who still commands respect on every snap. The Jets game adds urgency to the storyline: can Heyward sustain elite impact and justify a raise, or will the team recalibrate around younger talent in a crowded DL?