Steelers Unveil No-Negotiations Policy for Contract Talks During Football Season; Key Players Will Wait until After the Season for New Deals

As the season approaches, the Steelers have a strict policy of not negotiating contracts during the season. This means that defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, who has been vocal about wanting a new contract, will not receive one this year if no agreement is reached beforehand. General Manager Omar Khan has confirmed this policy, stating that all contract talks will cease once the season begins. Other key players like James Daniels, Justin Fields, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and Russell Wilson, who are also scheduled free agents in 2025, will also not receive new deals until after the season unless an agreement is reached in the next 2 1/2 months.

Khan expressed support for this policy and emphasized that once the season starts, the focus should solely be on football. He acknowledged that there is a business aspect to contracts but believes that during the season, the priority should be on the game itself. It could be seen as a risk for the Steelers to not negotiate with players like Fields or Wilson during the season as their performance could potentially warrant a contract extension.

Khan stated that his main focus for the upcoming season is on securing a new quarterback deal. Heyward has been absent from voluntary offseason activities as he enters his final year of his current contract which pays him $16 million this year. He is seeking an extension on his deal and time is running out for him to secure a new one with the Steelers.