The Pittsburgh Steelers have a strict policy when it comes to contract negotiations during the season. This policy was recently confirmed by General Manager Omar Khan during a radio appearance. Once the season starts, the Steelers will not engage in any contract talks, which means players like James Daniels, Justin Fields, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and Russell Wilson will have to wait until after the season to potentially secure new deals.
Khan expressed his support for this policy, stating that it allows the team to focus solely on football during the season. While he acknowledged that there is a business aspect to the game, he believes that once the season begins, the primary focus should be on the games ahead.
One of the players affected by this policy is defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, who is entering the final year of his current contract. Heyward has been vocal about his desire for a new deal, but with the Steelers’ in-season policy in place, negotiations will have to wait.
The decision not to negotiate during the season could be seen as a gamble for the Steelers, especially when it comes to players like Fields and Wilson, who have the potential to play themselves into lucrative contract extensions. However, Khan emphasized that his main concern at the moment is the upcoming season, and contract negotiations can wait until after the season concludes.
Heyward, who skipped the voluntary offseason program, is eager for an extension on his current contract, which pays him $16 million this year. With time running out before the season starts, it remains to be seen if the Steelers will be able to reach an agreement with Heyward or if they will have to wait until the offseason to address his contract situation.