Overview

• Heyward has remained on the sideline in street clothes during padded drills at Latrobe camp while attending meetings and individual work sessions.
• The 36-year-old defensive captain told reporters he first requested a contract rework in February after earning first-team All-Pro honors and leading interior linemen in key 2024 metrics.
• Heyward signaled he is willing to sit out regular-season games if the Steelers do not provide additional guarantees to align his pay with top peers.
• Head coach Mike Tomlin and coordinator Teryl Austin have downplayed any impact on preparation, noting Heyward’s veteran status and limited planned workload.
• Pittsburgh is exploring cap-space options—such as restructuring or advancing roster bonuses—and readying younger linemen like Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black as contingency starters.