Steelers' Khan Confirms 'Awesome Policy' as Heyward Awaits Extension
As the Pittsburgh Steelers turn the page from mandatory minicamp to training camp over the next few weeks, this brief time off could prove valuable in more ways than one. Not only is it the final time that players and coaches will have time off before the season starts but it also gives the Steelers' front office time to work on contract negotiations.
As explained in his recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Steelers general manager Omar Khan confirmed the franchise's policy of never conducting contract negotiations during the season still exists and won't change despite several key contributors entering the final year of their deals.
"I think it's an awesome policy," Khan said. "That policy predates even before I got here. Once we get into the season, I'm a believer it should be all focused on football. Obviously, there's a business aspect to this, and that's okay. That's just part of it. But once we get into the season, it's to focus on the season."
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Obviously, this self-imposed deadline will mean that the Steelers have likely until their Week 1 game versus the Atlanta Falcons on September 8 to complete as many deals as possible, which gives Khan and Co. just 12 weeks to do so.
Team captain and star defensive lineman Cam Heyward is among the Steelers looking for an extension. The 35-year-old, who is coming off a down year in terms of production after playing in 11 games due to injury, held out for the first two weeks of OTAs before deciding to return even without a deal worked out.
While Heyward has expressed his desire to play for two or three more years and potentially retire as a Steeler, he recently acknowledged the idea of playing elsewhere.
“I have talked to my wife, and we know the reality, and we have had those talks, and she said it could be fun to play somewhere else,” Heyward said. “If that is what is needed to be done, then so be it.”
Could this be a case of hardball from Heyward? Certainly, but as things currently stand, a deal between the two sides doesn't seem close. However, just because the Steelers don't have a deal worked out with the 35-year-old before their self-imposed deadline, it doesn't mean one won't get done.