The Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran defensive end Cam Heyward have reached an agreement on a new contract extension. According to ESPN, the deal is for three years and valued at $45 million, with $16 million fully guaranteed.
The contract, confirmed by the team, includes $29 million in new money and will keep Heyward under contract through the 2026 season. His signing bonus is reportedly nearly $15 million.
Heyward, 35, was initially set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025, as he was entering the final year of a four-year, $65 million contract signed in 2020. However, this new agreement ensures his tenure with the Steelers will continue.
Injuries affected Heyward’s performance during the 2023 season, limiting him to 33 total tackles and two sacks over 11 games. He missed six games after suffering a groin injury in training camp, which he aggravated in Week 1. Although he returned after surgery, he was not at full strength, and his two sacks were his lowest total since the 2013 season.
During contract discussions, Heyward expressed a willingness to explore other teams but made it clear that his preference was to remain in Pittsburgh. “The goal is to be a Steeler for the rest of my career,” he said. “There are certain guys who are one-helmet guys. I want to be one of those one-helmet guys.”
Heyward was the Steelers’ first-round pick, 31st overall, in the 2011 NFL Draft and has spent his entire career with the team. He has earned three first-team All-Pro selections and was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2023.
Throughout his career, Heyward has appeared in 194 games, making 159 starts. His career statistics include 647 total tackles, 404 solo tackles, 118 tackles for loss, 175 quarterback hurries, 47 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. If he remains healthy, he could move up to No. 4 on the Steelers’ all-time list for games played this season.
