Steelers DT Cameron Heyward not afraid to 'go somewhere else'

Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward has not been shy in his desire for a new contract heading into the final year of his current deal.

Heyward held out during the first two weeks of OTAs before returning to the team but reiterated that nothing had changed.

It seems that remains the case following the first day of training camp, which has him starting to contemplate his future in Pittsburgh.

"I'm not gonna get my hopes up either way," Heyward said, via Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "If they believe in me and think I can play more, so be it, but if they don't, I'll go somewhere else."

It feels unlikely that the longtime team captain and 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year would force his way out before seeing his contract through, but the 2024 season could be Heyward's last with the Steelers.

The 35-year-old knows he must let his play do the talking after having a disappointing 2023 campaign in which he recorded just 33 tackles and two sacks in 11 games while battling a lingering hamstring injury.

"We'll see what happens. I want to be here, but a lot of football to be played," Heyward added. "I can only focus on what's in front of me."

Last month, Heyward revealed that he still believes he is still one of the best players at his position.

"I want to be valued at my position. I understand I came off [a] rough season, but I don't think it's a step down from where I can play," Heyward said. "I think I'm at the top of my game. I'm still a top-five player at my position."

However, if Pittsburgh agreed, he would have likely been paid by now. That has left Heyward's future with the Steelers in doubt and it is why he isn't ruling out any scenario come 2025.