Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made it clear Tuesday that he anticipates Cameron Heyward will be on the field when the team opens its season Sunday against the New York Jets — even as the four-time All-Pro defensive lineman continues to push for a reworked contract.
“I’m certainly expecting Cam to play,” Tomlin said at his weekly press conference. “Cam doesn’t play 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.”
Heyward, however, was less definitive when speaking on his podcast Not Just Football later Tuesday. Asked by co-host Hayden Walsh if he would be suiting up Week 1, the 36-year-old replied: “We’ll see.”
Heyward’s Contract Battle
The veteran defensive captain began a brief hold-in late in training camp over frustration with his current deal. He signed a two-year, $29 million extension in September 2024 that runs through 2026, but his $14.5 million average annual salary ranks just 23rd among interior defensive linemen, according to OverTheCap.
Heyward, coming off an All-Pro campaign, has been vocal that his compensation should reflect his performance.
“I’m looking to be valued,” Heyward told reporters earlier this month. “I know what I bring to this team and what I’m capable of on and off the field. … When I signed [this contract], I told them if I have an All-Pro year, expect me to come back and talk about it.”
While he hinted he wouldn’t rule out missing games if a deal wasn’t reached, Heyward has since returned to practice, taking part in individual drills and team sessions. A source told ESPN his participation doesn’t necessarily signal the end of his push for more money in 2025.
Steelers Shorthanded Up Front
With Heyward’s status still murky, Pittsburgh will definitely be without first-round pick Derrick Harmon, who sprained his MCL in the preseason finale against Carolina. Although the rookie avoided a worst-case scenario and won’t go on short-term IR, Tomlin confirmed he will miss Week 1. Linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring) is listed as questionable.
That makes Heyward’s presence even more critical, especially against a Jets offense debuting new quarterback Justin Fields.
A Steeler Great in the Middle of it all
Heyward enters his 15th season ranked second on the franchise’s all-time sack list behind T.J. Watt. His 211 career games trail only Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward and Mike Webster in team history. Despite fan frustration with his contract stance, his status as a future member of the Steelers’ Hall of Honor is unquestioned.
As for whether he’ll take the field Sunday, Tomlin left the final word to his captain.
“I’ll let him speak for himself in that regard,” Tomlin said.
Meanwhile, the Steelers also announced Tuesday that they released veteran wide receiver Robert Woods from the practice squad. Woods, entering his 13th season, requested the move but remains open to rejoining the 53-man roster if a spot opens.
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