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Mike Tomlin Makes Stance Clear on Cam Heyward After Defender's Three-Word Message

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashutosh Kadam | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 8:51 PM ET

Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, addressed the media on Tuesday and shed light on various issues and rumors surrounding the Steelers, including one related to star defensive tackle Cam Heyward.

The 36-year-old Heyward is looking to renegotiate his contract after signing a two-year, $29 million extension last year. The deal includes a $14.7 million signing bonus and $16 million in guaranteed money. But the defensive tackle doesn't seem satisfied with that deal.

Per Steelers Depot reporter Ross McCorkle, “Heyward made it clear that he wants more money and can’t justify playing for his current salary after an All-Pro season last year.”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin absolutely squashed the narrative of Cam Heyward sitting out week one during his news conference today. It was mere hours after Heyward said on his podcast "we will see" when ask if he would play on Sunday.

Heyward's been practicing fully for the past…
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) September 2, 2025

The drama had created room for rumors, which the Tomlin shut down Tuesday.

"I'm certainly expecting Cam to play," Tomlin said. "Cam hasn't played a lot in team development over the last several years. My job is to get him in and out of Latrobe, and I've done my job. And so, there are no reservations about his participation or his readiness. I'm sure he's champing at the bit.”

It's clear Tomlin expects Heyward on the field Sunday against the New York Jets.

Cam Heyward's Three-Word Message for Steelers Fans

In his podcast, "Not Just Football with Cam Heyward," the defensive tackle addressed the biggest question: Will he play in Week 1? He sent a message a few hours before Mike Tomlin's address.

After the veteran was asked about Week 1, he just said three words, “We will see.” Well, while we can't say anything about his contract negotiations with the Steelers, the fans can hope that's a positive step to his appearing on the gridiron Sunday against the Jets.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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