Going into last year's training camp, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a decision to make regarding one of their best and most respected players. Cam Heyward was coming off his first down season in nearly a decade, and it was mostly thanks to a significant groin injury. Even so, he was looking for a revised contract that would give him some more security as he entered the twilight of his career.
They ultimately worked things out, and in turn, Heyward had one of his best seasons in what is trending towards being a Hall of Fame career. Now that he has shown that he is still the same player despite his age, he is reportedly looking for a pay raise to bring him closer to where the market for his position is now.
Heyward is making $14.75 million this season, less than half of what the top of the market is currently making. With only so many potential year's left in his career, it should be no surprise that he is looking to cash in one more time.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Cam Heyward has earned the right to ask for a raise
Regardless of how you feel about players looking for adjustments to their contract, there is no reasonable argument against Heyward outplaying his current deal. His age does factor into the discussion, but it doesn't change the fact that he was one of the top players at his position in 2024.
If the Steelers want to maximize this season after an uncharacteristically aggressive offseason, they need a happy and motivated Heyward to continue being an All-Pro player. Giving him a significant raise using some of their available cap space this season wouldn't hurt them long-term, and it would be a positive move for the locker room after so much turnover.
Their is obvious risk involved with paying a player for what they have done in the past, but it's easier to stomach with a player like Heyward. He's a team leader, one of the best to put on a Steelers uniform, and has already defied the aging curve for years.
Ultimately, I think some kind of restructure or raise will get down before Week 1. He is too important for the Steelers for them not to get him back on the field, and he has earned the right to ask for more money before he ends his long career.