The impasse between the Pittsburgh Steelers and star defender Cam Heyward could be one of the more interesting storylines to watch this summer. 

Heyward, in a dramatic shift from his usual process, skipped Steelers organized team activities this summer while seeking an extension as he heads into the final year of his contract. 

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox raised an interesting point about the saga: “The Steelers typically don’t negotiate during the regular season, and if Heyward doesn’t have a new deal by the end of August, they may listen to offers for the 35-year-old. Moving him would save $16 million in cap space.”

There, Knox ranks Heyward 10th at the end of his trade block big board, pointing out that the asking price might be in the range of a second-round pick. 

The Steelers, though, remain in win-now mode, so saving some cap space in the short-term might not be appealing to the front office–unless there’s an accompanying massive move that requires cap space. 

More interesting is to think about where things might go between the Steelers and Heyward if the team has a poor record near the trade deadline. Then, perhaps the conversation happens in the front office as teams hoping to add a piece to a contender make offers. 

For now, Heyward has a space on the fringes of trade speculation, yes. But these would end quickly if the two parties can agree on an extension during training camp.