Cameron Heyward began the offseason aiming for a new contract and hoping to be a Pittsburgh Steeler for life.
It would seem he’s been able to tackle both goals.
Heyward and the Steelers have agreed to terms on a three-year, $45 million deal, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday. The contract includes $29 million in new money, nearly $15 million at signing and $16 million fully guaranteed, Rapoport added. The team later announced the three-year contract.
The six-time All-Pro defensive lineman was due $16 million in base salary for 2024 with no guaranteed money and showed his eagerness for a new deal by missing voluntary organized team activities for the first time this spring.
All’s well that ends well, though, and the 35-year-old has put himself in position to end his career in Pittsburgh if he chooses to do so.
Currently, though, Heyward is still playing pretty well.
All six of his Pro Bowl selections came consecutively from 2017-2022. One glaring concern is he missed six games in 2023 due to a groin injury and thereafter produced just two sacks.
Nonetheless, the 2011 NFL Draft first-rounder is a crucial presence for the Steelers on the field and in the locker room. The 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year has produced 80.5 sacks and 647 tackles throughout his career, which will now kick off another year in Pittsburgh with no contract dilemma clouding it.
Heyward and the Steelers begin the 2024 campaign Sunday on the road against the Atlanta Falcons.