Steelers' Heyward OK with playing elsewhere in 2025: 'We know the reality'

Cameron Heyward has made peace with the idea of playing for a team that isn't the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025.

"I have talked to my wife, and we know the reality, and we have had those talks, and she said it could be fun to play somewhere else," Heyward told The Athletic's Mark Kaboly. "If that is what is needed to be done, then so be it.

"But I am still enjoying the ride here this year."

Heyward, who missed a portion of OTAs in a contract standoff, is entering the final year of his deal with the Steelers. The 35-year-old said last week that he hoped to be a "one-helmet guy."

He also mentioned that he does plan to continue playing in 2025.

The veteran defensive lineman has been a member of the Steelers for his entire NFL career. The 2011 first-round pick has developed into a defensive leader and captain for Mike Tomlin's team.

However, he's coming off a 2023 campaign which limited him to just 11 games due to a groin injury. He registered only two sacks last season, his lowest since 2012.

Heyward signed a four-year, $65.6-million extension with Pittsburgh in 2020. His base salary in 2024 is slated to be $16 million, per Spotrac.

Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.