UPDATE: Cam Heyward declined interview requests after practice amid reports he wants to rework his contract
According to reports, Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward has been quietly conducting a hold-in this training camp.
Poni on Heyward wanting a new deal
Heyward hasn’t fully participated in practice yet in Latrobe. Reporters covering the team assumed the 36-year-old was being held out by Coach Mike Tomlin.
But, it appears to be a contract dispute.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Heyward is looking for a restructured contract.
“Heyward is scheduled to make $14.75 million this season, with $13.45 million of that already having been earned as a roster bonus in March,” writes Schefter.
But, as Andrew Fillipponi points out, Heyward’s base salary for this season is $1.3 million.
Heyward was seen in street clothes during practice on Thursday at St. Vincent College.
Heyward is the 36th-highest paid defensive lineman in 2025 and is still playing at an elite level.
Schefter says Heyward and the Steelers “have addressed this privately but have not made any progress on any reworked deal.”
Poni says the Steelers need to give Heyward a “hefty” raise “right now”, adding he deserves $24-$25 million.
Heyward just signed a new deal last year worth $29 million over two years.