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Steelers Veteran TE Urges Team to Approve Heyward’s New Contract Request: “He Deserves More”

PITTSBURGH — The noise around Cameron Heyward’s contract situation has grown louder this week, but this time it’s not coming from reporters or fans — it’s coming from inside the Steelers’ own locker room.

Heyward, a 7-time Pro Bowler and one of the longest-serving captains in franchise history, remains without an upgraded contract despite entering his 14th season in Pittsburgh. While the defensive tackle continues to show up and lead by example, speculation about his future — and whether the Steelers will reward his loyalty — has started to divide opinion among the fanbase.

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That changed on Thursday when a key offensive starter decided to publicly throw his support behind Heyward. Speaking to local media, the player pointed out the disparity between Heyward’s pay and that of other NFL veterans with far less tenure or production.

The voice of support came from tight end Pat Freiermuth, who didn’t mince words.

“Heyward is a 7-time Pro Bowler and has played 14 seasons here, yet his salary isn’t even on par with an offensive guard like Dickerson, who’s only played 5 years in Philly. He deserves more than that. He’s given his entire career to the Steelers, and guys like that should be taken care of. Simple as that.”

Freiermuth’s comments strike at the heart of what many Steelers fans have been saying for weeks — Heyward is not just a player; he’s the embodiment of the franchise’s work ethic and culture. While the front office typically keeps contract talks behind closed doors, such public endorsement from a respected offensive leader adds weight to Heyward’s case.

Heyward, 35, has made it clear he wants to retire in Pittsburgh. For now, both sides remain in quiet negotiations, but with the season rapidly approaching, the pressure is mounting on GM Omar Khan to make a move.

Whether this turns into a quick resolution or a lingering distraction could hinge on how much the Steelers value one of their all-time defensive greats — not just for what he’s done on the field, but for the leadership and legacy he’s built off it.

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Packers' Star QB Refuses MVP Title to Fully Focus on Team in Tough Phase
Can you believe it? Jordan Love, the "red-hot" quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, is on track to compete for MVP with +1000 odds at DraftKings – but this guy is "refusing" personal glory to pour all his energy into the team struggling with a "hellish" schedule! Is this a heroic act or just a ploy? Read now to uncover the "truth" behind it! In the Super Bowl era, the Packers have produced three MVP legends: Bart Starr (1966), Brett Favre (1995-1997), and Aaron Rodgers (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021). Now, Jordan Love has a chance to become the fourth, putting the Packers on par with the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts – the only team with four QB MVPs like Johnny Unitas, Earl Morrall, Bert Jones, and Peyton Manning. With his current "explosive" form, Love ranks fourth in the NFL for passer rating (105.4), tied for fifth in touchdown passes (22), with only four interceptions – the fewest among QBs starting all 13 games, and a 67.1% completion rate ranking seventh. But instead of "dreaming" of MVP, Love seems to be "rejecting" it! In a recent interview, he emphasized: "These are the most important games of the season, obviously with a lot of things coming down to playoff seeding and the division race, so this is the important football. I think it’s everybody, we keep stacking and keep getting better and better throughout the season and learn from the mistakes we make and overcome some of the obstacles. Just keep stacking and trying to find ways to get better every day is something that’s been helping us." These words are like a clear "declaration": Love doesn't care about MVP, but only wants to focus on the team in its "tough phase" with a 9-3-1 record, trailing the Rams (10-3) in the NFC. Head coach Matt LaFleur also "sings along": "Yeah, he’s playing really good football right now. That’s obviously important and it’s going to be important moving forward." And offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich praises the consistency: "I would say just the consistency that he’s had has been great... Just being a consistent, efficient quarterback is one thing that I’ve been really pleased with." But it's Packers defensive end Micah Parsons who "reveals" why Love deserves but is "overlooking" MVP: "I definitely think he deserves recognition... If you go off strength of schedule, how he's played and with him missing half his receivers, I think that goes unnoticed, too. Some of the things he did without (Christian Watson) early in the year, then (Jayden Reed), so this guy was missing two of his starting receivers majority of the year and they're just now getting back in these last eight weeks of the stretch, so I definitely think he deserves a lot more credit and I'm just happy I'm able to be a part of this journey with him." Currently, Matthew Stafford of the Rams leads the MVP race with -180 odds, 35 touchdown passes (far ahead of Dak Prescott with 26), passer rating 113.1, and only four interceptions. Drake Maye of the Patriots follows with +200, passer rating 111.9, 3,412 passing yards, and 23 touchdowns. Love, with a four-game winning streak (nine touchdowns, one interception, passer rating 112.1), could stage a comeback if he maintains "red-hot form" – especially in the upcoming two "epic" games: away at Denver (11-2) and Chicago (9-4). If the Packers leap to the NFC's No. 1 seed (likely needing a 4-0 finish), while the Rams stumble against Detroit (8-5) and Seattle (10-3), or the Patriots slip against Buffalo (9-4) and Baltimore (6-7), Love would have a shot at MVP. But with his "humble" attitude, does Love really want to "accept" that title? Or is he sacrificing personally to save the Packers from the "tough phase"? The 2025 NFL drama is "hotter than ever"! Do you think Love is "playing a trick" to motivate the team? Comment now and follow for the "shocking" outcome of the MVP race!