Heyward, as a long-time veteran, negotiated and signed a new contract less than a year ago. He could have allowed his contract to expire. While riding first-team All-Pro distinction, he could have gotten more, from the Steelers or from another team.

With the regular season less than a month away, the clock is ticking on the negotiation process. It took until September last year for Heyward and the Steelers to reach an agreement, and the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year said he is prepared to sit out into the regular season if that is what it takes to get a new deal done.