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Can you imagine Cameron Heyward in a different NFL uniform?
I know I sure can’t, but this might become a reality for the Steelers’ defensive captain.
Heyward is entering the final year of his current contract, and there has been little to no traction on negotiations between Heyward and the Steelers organization. This from Heyward who met with media prior to the team’s first padded practice Monday.
This via Brooke Pryor of ESPN:
Cam Heyward on contract negotiations:
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 17, 2020
"Honestly there's no new updates. I think we're in the third week of camp. Npthing of any substance. Y'all know where I stand. I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. I want to lead this team to a Super Bowl, but we'll see where we are."
There should be absolutely not doubt in fans’ minds that Heyward wants to remain with the Steelers, but this is such an uncertain time in the world, and that includes the NFL. Due to fans not being permitted at most stadiums in 2020, the league is facing losses in the billions, and this could play a huge role in the salary cap next year.
The NFL and NFLPA agreed on a salary cap floor of $175 million, but would be a radical change for the Steelers who are bellied up to the $198.2 million dollar cap number. This could be a reason why the team has been hesitant to negotiate with Heyward, but he made it clear there hasn’t been any dialogue between the two parties.
Cam Heyward on contract:
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 17, 2020
"I love being a Pittsburgh Steeler, but it takes two to tango. I love being here, but we'll just have to see what happens. There's a couple more weeks to the season, all I can focus on is what I can control and we'll leave it at that."
Cam Heyward on contract negotiations:
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 17, 2020
"Dealing with the coronavirus halted a lot of things. Early on, we set dates to talk, we went past those dates and nothing got resolved. My agent is talking to them, but there hasn't been anything of substance."
It sounds pretty dire for the Pro Bowl/All-Pro defensive linemen, but Heyward has faith a deal can still get done.
Cam Heyward on the contract, says he's seen other players get contracts done around the league, league business continuing on:
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 17, 2020
"I want to have faith, but I'm going to be able to play either way. ... this won't be a hindrance on our performance this year."
Anyone who thought Heyward would not give his all, or would allow his contract negotiations, or lack thereof, to impact his attitude or play needs to do some research on Heyward as a man.
This would never happen.
Not only is it not in Heyward’s DNA, but it also wouldn’t be a good business decisions considering he is trying to get a new contract for the 2021 season. The hope is that deal is done with the black-and-gold, but if he does hit free agency he wants to head to the open market after a stellar season.
Will the team and Heyward get a deal done? if so, they are running out of time considering the Steelers never negotiate contracts once the regular season starts.
The clock is ticking...
Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they progress through 2020 Training Camp and prepare for the regular season.