Steelers DL Cameron Heyward
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Uncertainty surrounding Steelers DL Cameron Heyward's Week 1 status continues.
By now, it’s well established that Mike Tomlin prefers to run a no-nonsense operation with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Surprisingly to some, new quarterback Aaron Rodgers has fallen right in line with that all-business mentality thus far.
One fellow star, however, isn’t following the same path. Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward continues to battle with the franchise in an ongoing contract dispute. It’s something that’s made plenty of headlines in recent weeks, creating pressure ahead of the regular season.
That brings about a huge question. Is Heyward truly willing to sit out of the Steelers’ Week 1 game against the New York Jets? He (sort of) provided an answer.
Cameron Heyward Delivers Cryptic Update Ahead of Steelers’ Season Opener
On a September 2 episode of his “Not Just Football” podcast, Heyward was asked just that by co-host Hayden Walsh. His cryptic response was brief and didn’t instill much, if any, confidence.
“We’ll see,” Heyward said.
Walsh also inquired about Heyward’s contract situation. No news is typically good news, but certainly not in this scenario.
“Nope!” Heyward said. “Nothing to talk about.”
Speaking to the media on Tuesday afternoon, Tomlin said he anticipates Heyward playing.
“I’m certainly expecting Cam to play,” Tomlin said. “Cam doesn’t play a lot in team development over the last several years. My job is to get him in and out of Latrobe, and I’ve done my job. There are no reservations about his participation or his readiness. I’m sure he’s chomping at the bit.”
This marks just another development in a dramatic sequence. On August 19, Heyward returned to Steelers practice in full capacity. That seemingly marked a positive bit of news, but Tomlin immediately ruled him out of the club’s preseason finale. Not much has changed since, as Heyward alluded to.
The All-Pro is playing a risky game right now. After all, he’s right in the thick of an extension he originally signed prior to the start of last season. It’s uncommon for players to seek a revision so soon. He did mention that he told the team he’d come back after a rebound season, though, which he certainly enjoyed. Not only did Heyward play in every game last year, but he had 71 tackles and 8 sacks.
There’s no denying that if Heyward replicates that production, his deal would be a value one. That’s the dance aging players partake in this late in their careers, however. He has an obligation to fulfill this contract, and it’s one he willingly signed up for. That’s the rub of the whole thing.
Pittsburgh Needs Heyward to Succeed on Defense in 2025-26
It’s also a difficult thing for the Steelers to navigate. Heyward is one of the fanbase’s most beloved players. He’s known nothing but playing in Pittsburgh since he entered the league in 2011. It’s hard for anyone to envision him being with another franchise. No trade chatter has amounted from this situation, nor should it. With that said, things aren’t optimal.
Of course, the defensive line will manage to generate pressure with T.J. Watt leading the way. On the other hand, it’s clear what Heyward’s hypothetical absence could do. Just look to the 2023-24 campaign, when the latter played in 11 games and was a shell of himself. It doesn’t help that rookie first-rounder Derrick Harmon is nursing a knee injury to begin the season.
Even in his mid-30s, Heyward is a critical piece. A season ago, his 90.3 Pro Football Focus overall grade led all interior defensive linemen. He also ranked first in stops and fourth in total pressures. He logged 10 batted passes which, you guessed it, also paced the field. There isn’t a player on the open market capable of doing anything resembling that on such short notice.
The Steelers need Heyward as much as he needs them. With kickoff for Sunday’s game approaching by the second, only time will tell if both sides can reach a healthy resolution.