Hypocrite? Cam Heyward Demands More Money Despite Signing Contract Extension Last Summer

Cam Heyward has chosen to stay away from team practice until the Steelers bump up his salary.

Hypocrite? Cam Heyward Demands More Money Despite Signing Contract Extension Last Summer

Steelers DT Cameron Heyward is seeking an extension (Image via IMAGO/X)

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Cam Heyward’s recent hold-in might get ugly if the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t sign him to a new contract. Heyward, 36, signed a three-year, $45 million contract last year, but considering the season he had, the defensive lineman believes he deserves more.

On Monday, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor was at the Steelers’ facility when Heyward expressed his desire to get paid and the reason behind his absence from team practice.

I’m looking to be valued… I know what I bring to this team and what I’m capable of on and off the field. It’s hard for me, after the year I’ve had, to justify playing at the number I’m playing at.

Cam Heyward said, as per Pryor

Instead of participating in team drills, Heyward focused on conditioning himself.

Cam Heyward’s statement did not sit well with the Steelers fans

As Heyward mentioned, he signed an extension a little over a year ago after his underwhelming 2023 season with 33 total tackles and 2 sacks. He reverted back to his old self in 2024 by posting 71 tackles and 8 sacks to earn his fourth All-Pro honors.

Hypocrite? Cam Heyward Demands More Money Despite Signing Contract Extension Last Summer
Cam Heyward (Image via IMAGO)

Steelers insider for the Pat McAfee Show, Mark Kaboly, revealed that Heyward warned the Steelers of a swift return to the negotiations table if he outperformed the expectations. The front office reportedly smirked at his remark, but he kept his word and now wants the Steelers to honor their end of the bargain.

Heyward views his resurgent campaign as proof that he deserves another big payday, and his current $14.5 million AAV isn’t enough to justify his numbers. He ranks 22nd among interior defensive linemen, and he still won’t crack the top 10 even if the Steelers bump it up to $20 million AAV.

However, fans view the scenario differently. They advised Heyward to play out his current contract before asking for another one because the organization recently agreed to a $41 million extension with TJ Watt.

Additionally, would Heyward have reimbursed the money if he had suffered an injury and been put on IR (injured reserve)?

The Steelers should hold talks with the possible future Hall of Famer and find a common ground; otherwise, it could go two different ways. He could sit out the season or ask for a trade and play for a team that’s willing to pay him his desired salary.

The Steelers must have anticipated that something like this would take place sooner or later, so they added a suitable replacement. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin drafted Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, 21st overall in the recent draft.

Harmon did not play in the Steelers’ preseason win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Steelers are set to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their next game, so maybe the fans will catch a glimpse of Harmon’s abilities then.

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