The Pittsburgh Steelers have a strict policy of not negotiating during the season, and General Manager Omar Khan confirmed this policy during a recent radio appearance. This policy applies to all players, including defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, who has expressed his desire for a new contract.
Khan believes in focusing on football once the season starts and leaving the business side of negotiations for later. While it may be a risk for the Steelers to wait to negotiate with players like Heyward and James Daniels, there is also a chance that their performance during the season could drive up their contract value.
Heyward, who is entering the final year of his current deal, chose to skip the voluntary offseason program in hopes of securing an extension on his $16 million contract. With time running out, the Steelers will need to act fast if they want to avoid further complications with Heyward’s contract situation.
In addition to Heyward and Daniels, other players on the team’s list of scheduled free agents in 2025 include Justin Fields, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and Russell Wilson. Unless deals are reached in the next 2 1/2 months, negotiations will be put on hold until after the season.