The NFL schedule release is usually the biggest Steelers story this time of year before OTAs start.
But, it’s a report about Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward and his contract status that has people talking.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler, Heyward has not been at voluntary offseason workouts and doesn’t plan on attending Organized Team Activities.
The reason, he’s looking for a contract extension.
While showing up to OTAs is strictly voluntary, with players not being criticized much, if at all for not showing up, Heyward has always made it a point to be there.
Heyward is heading into the last year of his current deal and told Alan Saunders of Pittsburgh Steelers Now that he plans on playing for a couple seasons after this current one.
Word is Heyward is healthy again after missing several games last season after a groin injury.
He returned sooner than expected, something he likely should not have done.
He’s set to make $16 million this season and $22 million against the salary cap this season.
We’ll learn more next week, when OTAs begin at the Steelers complex on the South Side.
Heyward may do a “sit-in” like some of his teammates have done in the past few seasons. They’re around the complex but not doing drills with teammates.
At 35, a multi-year extension is a gamble for the Steelers. He’s without a doubt the leader in the locker room, respected on and off the field by teammates and the city.
The Steelers will likely want to do right by Heyward, but the NFL is a business and when you’re on the wrong side of 30 and coming off a season of injuries, guaranteeing a large amount of money, no matter what their legacy is, is a big gamble.