However, there aren’t many downsides to the Steelers giving Heyward a pay bump. It’s a good look to reward one of the team’s top defensive players over the past decade-plus, and with over $35 million in top-51 cap space, they have plenty of room to make the financial details work.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward returned to practice Tuesday, ending a hold-in that spanned nearly two weeks amid his contract negotiations. But according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, his participation does not signal any steps toward a new deal nor his acceptance of playing on his present contract.

Cameron Heyward returned to practice Tuesday, but that doesn't mean he is happy with his contract situation. ESPN's Brooke Pryor reported Tuesday there has been no progress toward a renegotiated contract despite a source saying the return to practice "doesn't signal the end of his desire for a renegotiation."