Heyward doubted new deal

Cam Heyward had all but prepared himself that this season would be his final one in his hometown. Talks between the Steelers and his agent, Michael Perrett, broke off last week. At that point, the idea that he would get a new contract before the beginning of the season seemed about as likely as 2020 being ranked among the best years of the century.

“Man, to be honest with you, 48 hours ago, I was thinking something different,” Heyward said Monday afternoon after practice. “It’s a testament to a lot of people that this got done. There was a lot of doubt for a good bit. I’m glad to say it got done.”

Heyward reported to the Steelers’ South Side facility on Sunday morning with the contract still very much in doubt. At 8 a. m., he met with team president Art Rooney II, and that meeting jumpstarted negotiations that would lead to Heyward agreeing to a new deal worth up to as much as $ 75.1 million if he plays until 2024.

“We were going back and forth for a good bit,” Heyward said. “When it got done, we were like, ‘ Wow, we’re spent.’ This took a lot of work to get done. There was a time when I thought it was dead. I was getting ready for my farewell tour.

“I’m a very emotional person. Quietly, I was trying to distance myself a bit. I had to prepare myself for the day I wasn’t going to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. I had to prepare myself that this was my last ride.”

Talks between the Steelers and Perrett began three weeks ago, right about the time Heyward said via a Zoom call with reporters that “it takes two to tango” when he was asked about the progress of negotiations.

“We started three weeks ago, and then talks broke off,” Heyward said. “I didn’t think we’d get there. On Sunday morning, me and Mr. Rooney got to talking. I understand it’s a family business. I wanted to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, and I’m glad he made that happen for me.”

Heyward talked at length about having to earn all of the money that is included in the contract. He was a rookie in 2011 when Aaron Smith played his final year. He also learned behind Brett Keisel, another veteran on the line, who blocked Heyward from starting.

Heyward believes he has less mileage than most 31year- old defensive linemen because he played little his first two seasons.

“Brett has been telling me I haven’t hit my prime yet,” Heyward said. “When I was talking to Art yesterday, I told him I feel like I have another gear to hit. I played behind those guys for so long, I still feel like I’m in my late 20s.”

Punter signed

Dustin Colquitt, a 15- year veteran, signed Monday with the Steelers after a tryout, and Jordan Berry, who had been the punter since 2015, was released.

Colquitt spent 15 seasons in Kansas City and was the Chiefs punter in the Super Bowl this year. He was released in the spring.

Colquitt’s average last season was 44.3 yards per punt. He turned 38 in May and is the son of former Steelers punter Craig Colquitt, who won Super Bowls with the team after the 1978 and 1979 seasons.

Pierre pumped

James Pierre, a cornerback from Florida Atlantic, is the only undrafted free agent to make the 53- man roster. He credited veteran corners Joe Haden and Steven Nelson for helping him make such great progress in a truncated training camp. “They taught me the playbook,” Pierre said.