Cam Heyward Denies Rumor He Didn't Tell Steelers He Would Skip OTAs: 'Bold Face Lie'

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward publicly rejected a report from Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette regarding the publication of the facts behind his OTA absence on Tuesday, calling it a "bold face lie."

Dulac reported the following on Tuesday morning: "The Steelers have had a 'discussion' with Heyward about a contract extension, but it has been nothing more than that, according to team sources. Heyward did not tell the Steelers about his threat to skip OTAs, preferring to announce it on his podcast, 'Not Just Football.'"

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Heyward's OTA status on May 15:

The next day, Heyward revealed on his "Not Just Football" podcast (16:40 mark) that he was holding out of OTA's (which are voluntary), citing contract negotations.

Ultimately, Heyward isn't there, although it's hard to make a big deal out of this.

The 35-year-old Heyward has one year and $16 million left on his deal and clearly stated that he wants to remain a Steeler. He finished with 33 tackles and two sacks in 11 games last year, missing the first six contests with a groin injury.

But his season ended with the NFL's greatest award, as his off-field exploits were recognized with the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

In 2024, there's no Heyward at OTA's, something he's always participated in. But head coach Mike Tomlin isn't concerned, especially considering the fact that he's already got 13 seasons under his belt.

"I'm not overly concerned, to be quite honest with you," Tomlin said, per Alan Saunders of Steelers Now.

"Cam's a guy with over 10,000-plus career snaps. It's probably an easier day for me with him not being there. I thin the lines out to get to know some people that I know less than him. Obviously, I know Cam very well. We've shared a lot of experiences over the years. But he and I talk often, as a matter of fact, we talked twice yesterday, but that's not an irregular thing. That's what we always do: talk not only about where he is and what's going on with him, but where this team is, because as a leader, he needs information in that regard."

So this may all be much ado without nothing, especially with there being three-plus months until the season begins.