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Report: Steelers DT Cameron Heyward not fully participating in practice while awaiting restructured contract

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones08/07/25brianjones_93
Cam Heyward (2)
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is dealing with a contract situation during training camp. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Heyward hasn’t fully participated in practice yet this summer, as he awaits a restructured contract. The four-time All-Pro is set to make $14.74 million this year, with $13.45 million of that already having been earned as a roster bonus.

“Heyward is seeking a raise in a defensive market that has experienced a reset this offseason,” Schefter wrote. “Heyward and the Steelers have addressed this privately, but have not made any progress on any reworked deal, per sources.”

Before the start of the 2024 season, Cameron Heyward agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract extension with the Steelers. The new deal included $29 million in new money and $16 million fully guaranteed. He is under contract through the 2026 season.

Cameron Heyward is not one of the higest-paid defensive linemen in the NFL

According to Schefter, Heyward is currently scheduled to be the NFL’s 36th highest-paid defensive lineman this season, and its 18th highest-paid defensive tackle. This offseason, the Steelers have given new contracts to wide receiver DK Metcalf, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and edge rusher TJ Watt, who became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

At last year’s training camp, Heyward talked about being a leader for the Steelers. “I’m just going to focus on being the best player I can be and control what I can control and being locked into this team,” Heyward told reporters at the start of training camp in July 2024. “I’ll keep saying it. This team needs my leadership, my production, and I look forward to doing it.

“I just like being out here with the guys, being out here with a focus on trying to get better. I ask the dumbest questions in the room, but it’s more to just remind myself and then educate others.”

In 2024, Heyward recorded 71 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, eight sacks and 11 passes defended. He was selected to his seventh Pro Bowl, named to the All-Pro First Team for the fourth time and earned votes for the Defensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year awards.