It's no secret that Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward wants a new contract to remain with the team, but as of right now that hasn't come to fruition, which puts the six-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro on track to be a free agent in 2025.
Despite his desire for a new deal, Heyward did not let that stop him from taking part in practice, as he was on the field and participating in drills with the team during its first practice of training camp on Thursday.
Naturally, Heyward's contract situation came up after practice when he was talking to the media and the veteran lineman reiterated that he wants to remain in Pittsburgh, but he will go elsewhere next year if the Steelers don't want him back.
“I want to be here, but a lot of football to be played," Heyward said. "If they believe in me and think I can play more, so be it. But if they don’t, I’ll go somewhere else.”
Cam Heyward again reiterates that he wants to play multiple more seasons and he hopes it’s with the Steelers but that he’s prepared to play a elsewhere if it comes to it pic.twitter.com/f7lLLRvPzG
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) July 25, 2024
Heyward is coming off a 2023 campaign in which he appeared in just 11 games due to injury. He never really found his stride as the season progressed and finished with just two sacks, his lowest total since his sophomore campaign.
The other issue Heyward has is that he just turned 35 in May, so the Steelers are probably worried about a decline. We'll see if Heyward can rebound en route to earning another deal with Pittsburgh in 2025.
