The New York Jets might have just received some good news ahead of their season opener.
Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro Cam Heyward delivered a cryptic response about his availability heading into Week 1. On his podcast, “Not Just Football”, Heyward was asked if he would be out there at MetLife Stadium to kick off the season.
“We will see,” Heyward responded.
Heyward Threatened a Potential Holdout Going Into the Season Already
The Pittsburgh All-Pro hinted at a potential holdout extending into the regular season.
“There are definitely options out there that could reflect that,” Heyward told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor earlier this offseason when asked if he would be willing to miss games during the regular season.
Heyward is in the middle of a contract dispute with the Steelers.
On September 3, 2024, Heyward and Pittsburgh agreed to a two-year $29 million contract extension. Fast forward a few months, and Heyward is back at the table, seeking more money.
That has created unrest among Steelers fans on social media. Heyward explained that during that negotiation last year, he warned the front office that he would be coming back to the table after an All-Pro season in 2024.
“I signed a contract last year, but to be completely honest with you, when I signed that, I told him [that] when I have an All-Pro year, expect me to come back and you can look at the contract and see what it was. But I think everybody kind of giggled a little bit, but in my head, I used it as motivation to go out there and prove it,” Heyward told ESPN.
Heyward’s Potential Absence Would Be Great News for the Jets
Even at the ripe age of 36, Heyward is still a game wrecker.
This past season, Heyward was named a first-team All-Pro. He appeared in all 17 games and finished with 20 quarterback hits, eight sacks, 11 pass deflections, 12 tackles for loss, and 71 tackles.
Heyward is not only insanely productive, but he is also one of the top leaders on the squad. The former Ohio State product is a straw that stirs the drink, and without him, the Steelers are unquestionably a worse outfit.
A potential Heyward absence could have a huge ripple effect on the outcome of the Jets-Steelers contest in Week 1.
Early Look at the Jets-Steelers Betting Lines
On Sunday, September 7, the Jets will host the Steelers in Week 1 at MetLife Stadium.
According to ESPNBET, Pittsburgh is a 2.5-point favorite on the road against Gang Green. The ESPN FPI [football power index] matchup predictor has the Steelers with a 58.6% advantage over the Jets.
The Jets have lost five out of the last eight contests to the Steelers. That includes the team’s loss in the 2011 AFC Championship game.
Steelers’ All-Pro Delivers Cryptic Response About Week 1 Jets Game