Steelers DT Cameron Heyward said “It’s hard for me, after the year that I had, to really justify playing at the number I’m playing at.”
It’s possible Heyward is just letting his thoughts be known while he seeks a reworked deal, but it’d be foolish to think these comments may not foreshadow a potential holdout or hold-in at some point before the season starts. Heyward, 36, is currently the 22nd-highest paid defensive tackle in the league and is coming off his fourth First-Team All-Pro season since 2017. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last week that Heyward and the Steelers “have not made any progress” in talks for a new deal, which has likely led to the star lineman growing increasingly disgruntled as the season approaches. Heyward signed a three-year extension just last offseason, which may further complicate things. It’s safe to assume this won’t be the last we hear from Heyward on the matter.