Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey optimistic DT Cameron Heyward plays Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent a ton of money on the defense this offseason. Pittsburgh signed cornerback Darius Slay, signed edge T.J. Watt to a massive new deal and then traded for and gave a huge contract to cornerback Jalen Ramsey. But they might not be done. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is holding out as he's demanding a raise despite signing a contract extension just last season.

This standoff has been ugly for both sides and honestly, most of the fans haven't taken Heyward's side in this, noting his age and the fact he's already making millions this season. Ramsey went on Heyward's Not Just Football Podcast and made it sound like Heyward's new contract is a done deal and Heyward will be on the field when the Steelers take on the New York Jets in Week One.

"We cant wait to be on the field with you Week 1," Ramsey said. "After everything goes down, everything's situated. We need all of y'all out there man, Mr. Omar [Khan]. Man, got a lot of respect for you Mr. Omar. Taken care of me, TJ, Slay. Cam is next. We excited man. We got potential to do something great if we got all our guys out there happy, feeling like they're valued. I know a little something about feeling valued and getting what you deserve. I'm with you. I'm with you."

After trading for Ramsey, the Steelers gave him a 4-year, $84,700,000 contract with a paltry $19.5 million guaranteed. In 2024, Heyward signed a two-year, $29 million extension with $16 million guaranteed. We don't know how much of a raise Heyward wants but Pittsburgh currently has just over $19 million in cap space but still need to consider a new contract for kicker Chris Boswell and might want to trade for a No. 2 wide receiver sooner rather than later.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey optimistic DT Cameron Heyward plays Week 1