Cameron Heyward's threat could add pressure to rookie first-round pick

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward addressed his hold-in on Monday, and his comments could put increased pressure on rookie first-round pick Derrick Harmon.

When speaking to reporters, the 2024 first-team All-Pro said, "There are definitely options" that could result in him sitting out regular-season games amid a contract dispute.

Heyward signed a three-year, $45 million extension, including $16 million guaranteed, last September after an injury-plagued 2023.

Last season, Heyward started 17 games and finished the year with 71 tackles, eight sacks and a career-high 11 passes defended. He's seeking a deal that will put him in a bracket closer to the highest earners at his position.

Heyward was named first-team All-Pro for the fourth time since 2017; only retired former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (six) has more first-team All-Pro honors during that span among NFL defenders. (h/t Stathead)

Heyward noted that he's not looking for anything "unprecedented" in contract talks when asked about potentially wanting to restructure his 2026 contract to include more guaranteed money in 2025.

As outstanding as Heyward has been, at 36, the Steelers must be smart about handing large sums of money to a player who could at any point fall victim to Father Time.

However, if his goal is to get more money this season, it's harder for the Steelers to justify not getting a deal done. Per Over The Cap, Pittsburgh has $19.2 million in cap space, giving it ample room to make Heyward happy.

But until a deal is finalized, the Steelers could be forced to lean on Harmon, the No. 21 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, to generate pressure with its 3-4 defensive front. Rookie fifth-rounder Yahya Black might also be thrust into a larger role if the dispute lingers. 

Both had promising preseason debuts, but for a team aiming to contend, Pittsburgh needs Heyward, both for his veteran leadership and on-field production.

The Steelers open the regular season on Sept. 7 at the New York Jets.