Cam Heyward, the Steelers longest-tenured player, has not attended the team's voluntary offseason workouts and does not plan to attend OTAs as he seeks a contract extension.
Heyward, 35, is entering the final season of a four-year contract extension he signed in 2020 and is set to make $22 million in 2024. Despite missing six games last season with a groin injury and playing less than 100% for most of the season, Heyward has been adamant that is not retiring, will not take a pay cut and that the decision to not attend OTAs is just business.
“First of all, it’s voluntary. Let’s get that straight. I’m working out, doing everything," Heyward said Thursday on his Not Just Football podcast. "I have always attended these, but at this time, it’s just contract negotiations. I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, but we’ll see what happens.
"You got to do what’s right for you. I’m training hard. There’s nothing I’m not doing on and off the field. I’m doing everything possible, and we’ll get there when we get there.”
As Heyward said, this marks the first time he's missed offseason workouts during his Steelers career. Heyward is entering his 14th NFL season and is a three-time first-team All-Pro, a six-time Pro Bowler, a nine-time team captain and was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year at the NFL Awards in February.
Heyward had back-to-back seasons of 10-plus sacks in the two seasons prior to being sidelined with injury in 2023. He tied James Harrison for the second-most sacks in Steelers history last year with 80.5. Heyward trails only teammate T.J. Watt in career sack total among Steelers.
With his substantial cap hit, still-productive play, as well as the leadership he provides in the locker room and his close relationship with Mike Tomlin, it seems likely Heyward will get the extension he desires prior to the season. An extension would lower his cap hit and ensure Heyward retires in black and gold.
