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Cam Heyward returns to Pittsburgh Steelers OTAs, makes case for new contract

profilephotocropby: Suzanne Halliburton06/04/24suzhalliburton
cam heyward steelers
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Heyward broke his boycott of Steelers OTAs on Tuesday. He showed up for practice, but the long-time defensive lineman still wants a new contract.

According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Heyward told reporters: “I’m looking to be here. … I want to be valued at my position. … I think when I’m at the top of my game, I’m still a top-5 player at my position.”

Heyward said he’d been boycotting solely because of negotiations

Last month, a week before OTAs started, Heyward explained his plans for OTAs, which are voluntary.

“I have always attended these, but at this time, it’s just contract negotiations,” Heyward said on his Not Just Football podcast. “Ya know, I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, but we’ll see what happens.”

The Steelers selected Heyward, a former Ohio State star, in the first round of the 2011 draft. He’s been dominant since then, earning six trips to the Pro Bowl. He’s also a team captain.

Coach Mike Tomlin was happy to see Heyward back and practicing. He even posed for photos.

Steelers probably are concerned with long-term deal for 35-year-old defensive lineman

And Heyward is beloved in Pittsburgh. His younger brother, Connor, plays for the Steelers. And earlier this year, Heyward earned the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year for his off-field, community service work.

He’s in his final year of a contract he signed back in 2020. That year, he and the Steelers agreed to a deal worth $64 million. However, Heyward’s age may be a factor in negotiations. He’s 35. He strained his groin in the first game and the Steelers placed him on injured reserve. Heyward came off of it in early November. Overall, he played in 11 games.

Heyward definitely has made his mark in Pittsburgh defensive history. He has 80.5 career sacks, which is tied with James Harrison for No. 2 in Steelers history. He probably won’t get to No. 1. Teammate T.J. Watt owns the record with 96.5.