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.

Aaron Rodgers won't play in the Steelers' preseason finale at the Panthers on Thursday, coach Mike Tomlin said.