Cam Heyward to miss OTAs, seek contract extension

Cam Heyward, the Steelers longest-tenured player, has not attended the team's voluntary offseason workouts and does not plan to attend OTAs as he seeks a contract extension, per a report from Jeremy Fowler.

Heyward, 35, is entering the final season of a four-year contract extension he signed in 2020 and is set to make $22 million in 2024. Despite missing six games last season with a groin injury, Heyward has been adamant that is not retiring and will not take a pay cut. 

This marks the first time Heyward has missed offseason workouts during his Steelers career. Heyward is entering his 14th NFL season and is a three-time first-team All-Pro, a six-time Pro Bowler, a nine-time team captain and was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year at the NFL Awards in February.

Heyward had back-to-back seasons of 10-plus sacks in the two seasons prior to being sidelined with injury in 2023. He tied James Harrison for the second-most sacks in Steelers history last year with 80.5. Heyward trails only teammate T.J. Watt in career sack total among Steelers. 

On his "Not Just Football" podcast in January, Heyward scoffed at the notion that he should take a pay cut. 

"I bust my butt in rehab, doing everything. I got to let things calm down," Heyward said. "Screw the people who keep talking about me getting a pay cut."

With his substantial cap hit, still-productive play, as well as the leadership he provides in the locker room and his close relationship with Mike Tomlin, it seems likely Heyward will get the extension he desires prior to the season. An extension would lower his cap hit and ensure Heyward retires in black and gold.