Jalen Ramsey Backs Cameron Heyward in Push for New Steelers Contract

Jalen Ramsey appealed to Steelers GM Omar Khan to give Cam Heyward a new contract.

Jalen Ramsey Backs Cameron Heyward in Push for New Steelers Contract

Jalen Ramsey and Cam Heyward (Image via IMAGO)

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Jalen Ramsey can sympathize with Cam Heyward’s quest for a new contract. The star cornerback forced his way out of the Miami Dolphins following a supposed fallout with the coaching staff.

The Dolphins traded Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. That was less than two months ago.

It did not take him long to establish a connection with his teammates on the defense. He quickly realized the importance of a player like Cam Heyward for the Steelers.

Heyward is poised to start in his 15th season in the NFL. He recently came under fire for asking for an extension from the Steelers.

Ramsey received an invitation to be on Heyward’s Not Just Football podcast along with teammate and former Eagles DB Darius Slay. He took this opportunity to send a message to the Steelers front office.

We can’t wait to be on that field with you in Week 1, after everything goes down, everything gets situated. We need all of y’all out there, man. I got a lot of respect for you, Mr. Omar [Khan]. You’ve taken care of me, TJ [Watt], [Darius] Slay. Cam is next. We’re excited, man. We’ve got the potential to do something great if we’ve got all our guys out there happy and feeling like they’re valued.

Jalen Ramsey said

Slay also chipped in for good measure.

We need you [Cam] out there, like, now. Tell them to stop playing right now.

Darius Slay said

Heyward struggled during the 2023 season. He recorded 33 tackles and 2 sacks in 11 appearances before suffering a groin injury. It was the last year of his contract, so before the start of the next year, the Steelers extended his stay for three more years with $15 million AAV.

According to sources, Heyward promised the Steelers front office that he would bring them back to the negotiation table if he posted All-Pro numbers. Sure enough, he recorded 71 tackles, 8 sacks, and 11 pass deflections to earn his fourth All-Pro honors.

Heyward feels his performance has earned him the right to a better salary package.

I’d love to be valued.

Heyward told the press while announcing a holdout from team practice

Will Jalen Ramsey and Cam Heyward start for the Steelers in their second preseason game?

The Steelers played Ramsey’s former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, in their preseason opener. Ramsey, along with several of the team’s big guns, did not feature in the game, including veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Jalen Ramsey Backs Cameron Heyward in Push for New Steelers Contract
Jalen Ramsey (Image via IMAGO)

It will remain the same in the Steelers’ second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Mike Tomlin announced that Ramsey, Rodgers, Watt, and wide receiver DK Metcalf will not participate in this day two matchup.

There’s not a whole lot of conversation. Jalen’s going to get it. Some people may hate it, and I love that competitive spirit in the collective, but I think it’s already been decided.

Mike Tomlin said via ESPN’s Brook Pryor

Ramsey played two seasons for the Dolphins after bagging his first and only Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams. He has played 135 games since being drafted by the Jaguars in 2016, recording 534 tackles, 108 pass deflections, 6 forced fumbles, and 3 sacks.

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