As expected, Mike Tomlin isn’t worried about defensive captain Cam Heyward not begin at OTAs for the first time.
The 35-year-old defensive line-veteran wants a new contact.
He 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, missing only six games last season.
He’s set to make $16 million this season and $22 million against the salary cap this season.
“Cam’s a guy with over 10,000-plus career snaps,” said Tomlin. “It’s probably an easier day for me with him not being here. I think the lines out an get to know some people that I know less than him.”
Tomlin says he talks to Heyward often, saying they spoke twice on Monday.
He added it’s not uncommon for him to talk to Heyward multiple times a day.