Cam Heyward contract dispute: Steelers star makes surprising decision on hold-in

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward has returned to practicing fully with the team, ending his hold-in. It had been two weeks since Heyward practiced in pads or joined the team for the full extent of practice as he seeks a new contract, but that changed Tuesday according to coach Mike Tomlin.

ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported that there has still not been any progress made toward a new contract for Heyward. Heyward received $13.45 million of his $14.75 million in compensation for 2025 via a roster bonus, and he is under contract for $14.5 million for the 2026 season. Most of that deal is also set to come as a roster bonus with none of it being guaranteed.

Heyward’s current deal pays an average of $14.5 million per year, which puts him at 22nd among defensive tackles and 36th among all defensive linemen. He issued a formal request to the front office to renegotiate the deal in February and began sitting out of practice around two weeks ago on Aug. 7.

Heyward is preparing to enter his 15th NFL season and still operating at a high level. This past season he recorded 71 tackles (12 for loss), eight sacks, and a career-best 11 passes defended.

The defensive lineman has seven Pro Bowl appearance and has been named a first team All-Pro four times. Additionally, he won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2023.

Cam Heyward is also second in Steelers franchise history with 88.5 career sacks, trailing only teammate TJ Watt. That in mind, one would think that the franchise will eventually want to work out a deal that he is happy with. Whether that comes before this season or after, though, remains to be seen.

Report: Pittsburgh Steelers sign former Oregon CB Kam Alexander

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing former Oregon CB Kam Alexander, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Alexander was just released by the Seattle Seahawks last week.

Alexander went undrafted out of Oregon this past season but participated in the Seahawks’ rookie minicamp. He didn’t record many stats in his lone year with the Ducks, but had 34 tackles, two interceptions and 15 passes defended the year prior at UTSA.

Alexander also played at Sam Houston State to begin his college career. The well traveled cornerback will now attempt to make the Steelers’ roster for the regular season.

Alexander joins the Steelers at an interesting time, considering the team is all in on QB Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers joined the team this offseason in what could be his final year.

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report.