Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward wants a pay bump after an All-Pro season in 2024 just one year into his three-year contract.
While that has caused some stir in the fanbase, Former Steelers defensive lineman Chris Hoke fully supports what Heyward is doing.
“I have no problem with what Cam Heyward is doing,” Hoke said on 93.7 The Fan. “I think he’s going about it the right way. Cam Heyward is out there working. He’s talking to the young fellas. This will get worked out. The reality is, he wants guaranteed money. And you never know, nothing is guaranteed in this business. He’s a first-round draft pick, yes. He’s played a lot of years, yes. He’s made a lot of money, yes. But really your years of earning and leverage only last so long and you got to live the rest of your life. So he’s making a business decision, but he’s going about it the right way. He’s doing it the way where it will get him paid rather than staying away from the team.”
Heyward has no guaranteed money left on that deal. When he inked it, the deal averaged just $15 million per season, but after an All-Pro year at 35 years old, Heyward wants more money.
Heyward had eight sacks last season and was arguably the best player of the entire defense. With his leadership status in the locker room, having him around and happy is paramount. Schefter adds the Steelers and Heyward have made no progress on a deal.
Heyward will be 37 years old when the contract ends, though the fact he wants more money means that he believes his longevity is still there. He could have thoughts about playing beyond the contract.
Heyward stated last year that he hopes to play two or three more seasons The Steelers seemed tentative to give Heyward the deal after coming off a season where Heyward suffered a significant groin injury. Now, however, he has proven his game has continued to age well.
Over his career, Heyward has 88.5 sacks, four First-Team All-Pro nods, and seven Pro Bowl selections.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.