The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy this offseason, making splashy headlines with high-dollar moves such as signing DK Metcalf to a five-year, $150 million extension and restructuring Jalen Ramsey‘s contract upon acquisition. They’re very much in the business of opening up the wallet when a contract is a fit with the team’s long-term plans. However, not every contract negotiation gets the same approach. Context? Cam Heyward‘s weeklong “hold-in” at camp illustrates that disparity. In contrast to those new signings, Heyward is an experienced team leader requesting a half-contract adjustment, and Pittsburgh’s old-fashioned way of doing business comes to the fore as they hold firm to their principles.

A few days ago, Ex-NFL agent Joel Corry made a shocking case: “Cam Heyward is trying to have it both ways. If Heyward was so confident he would have an All-Pro 2024 season as a 35-year-old, he should have played out his contract rather than signing a 2-year extension in September 2024 that averages $1.9M less per year than his 2020 extension.” Even harder on it was former Steelers front office executive Doug Whaley, who called it “an abject failure by Cam Heyward and his team [agents]” when he appeared as a guest on 93.7 The Fan. They argue that Pittsburgh showed loyalty after Heyward’s injury-plagued 2023 season, and yet he returned this summer asking for more.

This isn’t merely about the money for Cam Heyward at this point. Instead, it’s about the front office making a statement. The type of statement that will resonate for years to come in all contract negotiations. Steelers insider Jeff Hathhorn, on the 93.7 The Fan’s podcast with hosts Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson, said the team is making the Cam Heyward contract process look “agonizing.“ The theory, backed by sources including Brian Batko of The Post-Gazette, is that the Steelers want to make everybody think “don’t come to us like we’re going to make it hard.” The Steelers, especially Mike Tomlin, know how much to give in to the contract demands, so much so that it doesn’t affect the franchise’s image.

Mike Tomlin is playing it in a way that is making the whole talk suffocating enough for Cam. As Hathhorn said, “We’re (Steelers) not going to say anything nice about Cam. We’re not going to talk about it at all because we want to ensure when you do come to us, the only reason we made an exception here is he’s a 10 time captain and what he’s done for the organization.” It is a clear indication of how Mike Tomlin is treating Cam’s contract disputes, and it will be a long way for the defensive lineman with the whole drama.

Hathhorn’s sources indicate a deal will “definitely get done.” The plan is to make Cam Heyward’s case genuinely extraordinary instead of the new standard. His 10 years as captain, 14-year career, and recent All-Pro season at age 35 make his case special. The Steelers can treat it as a rare situation rather than normal business. By making the process appear difficult and lengthy, the front office is hoping to deter other players from attempting the same. Use Heyward’s agony as a learning experience for the entire locker room.

But what exactly are Cam Heyward’s demands for his new contract?

The stalemate began when Cam Heyward’s reps first approached Pittsburgh. He is demanding a restructure after he agreed last year to a pay cut following a core injury in 2023. He has not publicly disclosed the exact terms of his contract demands yet. Now fresh off a first-team All-Pro season: 71 tackles, eight sacks, 11 passes defended, he insists on compensation. Like, more in terms of a pay raise, that will be befitting that performance and veteran leadership.

Cam Heyward’s current contract pays $14.75 million in 2025 and $14.5 million in 2026. It has placed him only 22nd among interior defensive linemen, far behind such peers as Chiefs star Chris Jones at $31.75 million annually. “I know what I do for this team… it’s difficult for me… to justify playing at the number I’m playing at,” Cam said, emphasizing his frustration with not being compensated enough.

Adding pressure, analysts say that if Heyward does retire, he’d lose a $12.95 million roster bonus owed to him in March. But if he agrees to go the other way, he might be able to get cash in hand instead of potentially leaving with nothing. As one of the hosts on 93.7 The Fan explained, “If you take it now and you retire, you’d get at least six out of the 13.”.

These are demands both of respect and of strategic calculation, an effort to get the biggest payday possible as a last hurrah, staging a high-stakes clash between front office and franchise legend. Both Heyward and the Steelers, especially Mike Tomlin, do not see eye to eye on his contract demands, at least as of now.