Steelers star gets the pay rise he was looking for
The Pittsburgh Steelers have revised defensive end Cam Heyward’s contract, handing him the chance to earn extra performance-based add-ons.
Cam Heyward pushed for a salary bump following the conclusion of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason, and tensions rose when the veteran defensive lineman skipped the final week of training camp. His availability for the season opener against the New York Jets was in question - until the AFC North franchise relented and restructured his deal, rewarding him based on performance.
How has Heyward’s Steelers contract changed?
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Steelers have added $3.2 million in performance-based incentives to Heyward’s contract for the current season. With those bonuses, his total compensation could climb to nearly $18 million. Pelissero noted that the incentives are tied to playoff appearances and postseason victories.
The 36-year-old was named to the NFL’s First-Team All-Pro in 2024 and believed his value had increased accordingly. He finished 13th in Defensive Player of the Year voting after racking up 71 tackles, 8.0 sacks, and 11 passes defended across 17 regular-season games.
How much has Cam Heyward earned with the Steelers?
Heyward ranks among the highest-paid defenders in Steelers history. Drafted in the first round in 2011, his rookie deal was worth $6.7 million over four years. Pittsburgh exercised the fifth-year option in 2015, adding another $6.9 million to his earnings.
His first contract extension came in 2015 - a six-year deal worth $59.2 million. In 2020, he signed another four-year extension valued at $65.6 million. Most recently, in September 2024, Heyward inked a two-year extension worth $29 million.
All told, the Ohio State alum has earned approximately $146.3 million during his NFL career. That figure doesn’t include endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and Gatorade.
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