Overview

• Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay used Heyward’s Not Just Football podcast to press GM Omar Khan for a contract overhaul that reflects his Pro Bowl-caliber 2024 season.
• Heyward has limited his on-field reps during training camp to leverage negotiations for more guaranteed money.
• His existing two-year extension carries a $14.5 million average annual value, tied for 22nd among interior defenders despite his All-Pro resurgence.
• Pittsburgh holds the NFL’s sixth-most salary-cap room, giving the team financial flexibility with fewer than three weeks until the season opener.
• Heyward has warned he could sit out regular-season games if no deal is reached, heightening availability and leadership concerns for the defense.