Cam Heyward, Steelers Reportedly Agree to Revised Contract Worth Up to $18M for 2025

Cameron Heyward took one step closer to finishing his career as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Heyward and the Steelers agreed to a revised contract that will allow him to earn up to $18 million for the 2025 season.

The agreement added just over $3 million in incentives this year, per Schefter. He is now expected to play in the team's Week 1 opener against the New York Jets.

Heyward's future in Pittsburgh wasn't a certainty prior to his latest contract update, with Schefter previously reporting that he wasn't fully participating in practices during training camp due to a lack of progress on a restructured deal.

The 36-year-old was initially selected by the Steelers with a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, gradually blossoming into a key piece on their defensive line.

Heyward is already a franchise icon with Pittsburgh, as his 88.5 career sacks are the second-most in team history.

The veteran hasn't shown many signs of slowing down as of late, wrapping up a stellar individual season in 2024. Heyward racked up 71 tackles, 24 pressures, 20 quarterback hits, 12 tackles for loss and eight sacks across 17 starts.

He was also adept at batting down balls at the line of scrimmage, recording a career-high 11 passes defensed. Alongside star teammate T.J. Watt, Heyward thrived on an imposing Steelers front seven that helped them finish the year with the No. 8 scoring defense in the NFL.

Given his age and experience, it's understandable that the Steelers may have been hesitant to give Heyward a reworked deal at first. Still, his recent track record speaks for itself.

Ultimately, both sides were able to bridge the gap in negotiations and ensure that Heyward remains in the black and gold.