In a bid to maintain focus on the upcoming football season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have reiterated their long-standing policy of not negotiating contracts during the season. General Manager Omar Khan confirmed this stance during a recent radio appearance, explaining that once the season begins, all discussions regarding contract extensions will be put on hold.

This policy not only impacts defensive lineman Cameron Heyward's hope for a new contract, but also affects several key players whose contracts are set to expire in 2025. Among them are James Daniels, Justin Fields, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and Russell Wilson. Unless the Steelers reach an agreement with these players within the next 2 1/2 months, negotiations will have to wait until after the season.

Khan expressed his support for the policy, stating, "I think it's an awesome policy. That policy predates even before Kevin [Colbert] and I got here. Once we get into the season, I'm a believer it should be all focused on football." While acknowledging the business aspect of the game, Khan emphasized the team's dedication to giving their undivided attention to the season at hand.

However, this decision does come with certain risks for the Steelers. The team runs the gamble of missing out on the opportunity to extend the contracts of players like Fields and Wilson before their market value potentially rises. Should one of them make significant strides during the upcoming season, securing a contract extension might become a more costly endeavor for the team.

Khan, however, remains unfazed by these concerns. He stated, "From my standpoint, I can just tell you I'm more worried about the quarterback for this year. The rest of it will take shape after the season." His primary focus lies on the immediate upcoming season, prioritizing the performance of the team's starting quarterback.

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking for Heyward, who seeks an extension on his contract, which is currently set to pay him $16 million this year. Having skipped the voluntary offseason program, Heyward's desire for a new deal is evident, but the team's policy poses a challenge to his hopes.

As the Steelers gear up for the season, negotiations for contract extensions are on hold. The team's unwavering commitment to focusing solely on football during the season may prove to be a double-edged sword, as it could lead to missed opportunities or potentially higher costs down the line. For now, the countdown continues for Heyward and others hoping for new deals as the season draws closer.