Veteran defensive leader Cameron Heyward inks a historic extension, securing his future and bolstering the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive line with a record-breaking contract.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward has agreed to a two-year, $32.25-million extension after one of his best seasons in 15 years.
Heyward will receive $16.25 million guaranteed, the most lucrative ever for an NFL defensive player 36 or older. The deal saves the Steelers $5.5 million in cap space.
The 36-year-old was a second-team All-Pro selection last season when Pittsburgh won its first AFC North championship since 2020. Heyward had 78 tackles (nine for loss), 3 ½ sacks, six passes defensed, and one forced fumble.
Pro Football Focus graded Heyward at 90.4. That placed him first in the NFL among 134 defensive interior linemen who played enough snaps to receive a grade.
Heyward was a bright spot on a defense that billed itself as one of the best in the league coming into the season. The Steelers wound up 26th among the 32 teams in total yards allowed.
Heyward’s season got off to an acrimonious start when he staged a hold-in during training camp, seeking a renegotiation of his existing three-year, $45-million contract. Although Pittsburgh would not terminate the current deal, it amended it to include a clause enabling Heyward to earn up to $3 million in incentive bonuses last season.
Heyward has had a star-studded career, including four first-team All-Pro selections, seven Pro Bowl appearances, and serving as team captain since 2015.
The Steelers drafted Heyward in the first round of the 2011 draft. He was the 31st overall pick from Ohio State. Pittsburgh was coming off its most recent Super Bowl, a loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Heyward has played 228 regular-season games with the Steelers. That is the second-most behind Ben Roethlisberger’s 249. Heyward has also appeared in 10 playoff games, but the Steelers have won only one.
Heyward has 796 career tackles (142 for loss) with 92 sacks, 64 passes defended, nine forced fumbles, and two interceptions. He has had three seasons of 10 or more sacks.
Heyward was born in Pittsburgh in 1989 after his father, Craig, starred as a running back at the University of Pittsburgh. “Iron Head” played for 11 seasons in the NFL from 1988 98.
Cam Heyward’s younger brother, Connor, is a free agent. He spent the last four seasons with the Steelers as a tight end/fullback.
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