Heyward, Boswell Pushing for Steelers Contract Changes

Cameron Heyward’s contract situation is once again a talking point in Pittsburgh. Last offseason, the Steelers gave the veteran defensive lineman a two-year, $29 million extension, keeping him under contract through 2026. The move seemed to quiet questions about his future — at least for a while.

After a bounce-back 2024 season that earned him his fourth First-Team All-Pro selection, Heyward now wants another update to his deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Brooke Pryor.

The 15-year veteran has not been participating in full practices at training camp, instead working on the side. This “hold-in” has allowed first-round pick Derrick Harmon to get more first-team reps. While Harmon may be viewed as Heyward’s eventual replacement, the Steelers expect both players to play major roles this season.

Talks Going Nowhere So Far

ESPN reports that Heyward and the Steelers have discussed the matter privately, but no progress has been made. The situation is now public, adding pressure on the team.

Heyward, who turns 36 this season, missed six games in 2023 due to groin surgeries but came back strong last year, finishing with eight sacks. He has been a key piece alongside T.J. Watt in one of the NFL’s best pass-rushing duos.

Steelers Known for Sticking to Their Rules

The Steelers have a long history of not negotiating in-season and rarely adjusting contracts before the final year. The Antonio Brown example in 2016 stands out — the team moved $4 million from a future year into the current season rather than give him a new deal early. Brown eventually received an extension in 2017, but he was 28 at the time.

Heyward’s situation is different. He’s closer to the end of his career, and a decline in 2025 could hurt his bargaining power before the 2026 offseason.

Where Heyward’s Contract Ranks

Heyward’s current $14.5 million per year salary ranks just 22nd among interior defensive linemen, down from $16.4 million annually on his previous deal. Younger and less accomplished players like Milton Williams and Zach Allen have signed contracts worth more than $25 million per year. Even Kansas City’s Tershawn Wharton, with just one season as a starter, is earning $15 million per year.

Last season, Heyward became the first defensive lineman aged 35 or older to be named First-Team All-Pro since Bruce Smith in 1998. He’s now using his absence from full practices to push for at least a minor contract adjustment.

Boswell Also Seeking a Raise

Heyward isn’t the only Steeler wanting an update. Veteran kicker Chris Boswell is also aiming for new terms. Boswell’s four-year, $20 million deal once tied him with Justin Tucker for the highest-paid kicker spot in 2022. Since then, several kickers have passed him in salary.

Boswell, now 34, ranks 11th in average annual pay among NFL kickers. However, he’s still under contract for two more years, making a true extension unlikely until at least 2026.

Team Facing Key Decisions

Heyward is Pittsburgh’s longest-tenured player, while Boswell is second on that list. Both have been major contributors to the team’s success. But with the Steelers sticking to their long-standing contract approach, it remains to be seen whether either veteran will get the update they’re seeking before the season kicks off.