Cam Heyward is still seeking a contract extension from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the star defensive tackle has left open the possibility of sitting out Week 1 if there is no agreement in place prior to the season-opening game.
Heyward was a hold-in for much of training camp, which means he showed up but did not participate in on-field work. He has been open about wanting a new contract a year after he signed a three-year, $45 million extension with the Steelers. Heyward, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, said the team gave him the impression that he would be able to renegotiate his deal if he had another All-Pro season, and he was named a First-team All-Pro last year.
On Friday, Heyward was asked by a reporter if he is planning to sit out of Sunday’s season opener against the Jets if he does not have a new contract in place. The 36-year-old did not rule it out.
“I wish I had a straight answer for you right now,” Heyward said, via Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “All I can tell you is I’ve had to have a lot of tough conversations with my family, and I am bracing for everything.”
Heyward added that he and the Steelers still have time, but he said he is not optimistic about reaching an agreement prior to Sunday.
Heyward has spent his entire NFL career with the Steelers, who drafted him 31st overall in 2011. He played in all 17 games last season and has played in 211 games total for Pittsburgh, which is the fourth-most in franchise history.
The Steelers undoubtedly want Heyward on the field for Sunday’s game, especially against a Jets team that has a mobile quarterback in Justin Fields and is expected to be run-heavy. Pittsburgh’s brass may have to pay him to assure that happens, however.
