The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cameron Heyward find themselves in a complicated spot.
And with Week 1 beginning their season on Sunday, against the New York Jets' strong running game, the Steelers and their star defensive tackle still don't have a contract resolution.
Heyward wants a raise, even though he just got a new contract offseason.
The 36-year old DT spoke to reporters on Friday to share some of his thoughts.
“This is a business," Heyward said, via ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "I cannot play this game forever, and just like I’m maximized on the field, I want to be maximized outside of it... It’s not being greedy. It’s just the way this game is.”
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Heyward was then asked how his contract status would impact his availability for Week 1. If he doesn't get a new deal, would he play?
"I wish I had a straight answer for you right now," Heyward said. "All I can tell you is I've had to have a lot of tough conversations with my family."
Of note: After sitting out Thursday's practice, Heyward was a full participant on Friday.
Heyward made the Pro Bowl last season with 8.0 sacks and 71 combined tackles, a ridiculous year for a mid-30s DT.
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The fact that he signed a new deal last offseason makes this all a bit harder to figure out.
Pittsburgh has handed out big contract extensions this offseason to T.J. Watt and DK Metcalf. That might make Heyward want his money more, but it also means there's less money to give out.
It remains to be seen whether the big fella will get a new contract or be out there Sunday.
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