Cameron Heyward, Steelers Reportedly Agree to Historic New Contract, Updated Salary Cap

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cameron Heyward aren't quitting each other just yet.

According to multiple reports, the team has added a year to the star defensive lineman's contract, leaving him under contract through the 2027 season, though only the first season is guaranteed:

Heyward, 36, hasn't lost much of a step at this stage in his career, registering 78 tackles (nine for loss), 3.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, six passes defensed and a forced fumble last season, appearing in all 17 games. He was named a second-team All-Pro for his efforts, adding to a career résumé that includes seven Pro Bowls, four first-team All-Pro selections and nine playoff appearances.

Pro Football Focus named him the 21st-best player in the NFL last season, writing that he was "a bulwark with a 90.4 PFF overall grade, the best among qualified interior defenders. Heyward earned at least an 84.4 PFF grade in both run defense and pass-rushing, making landmark contributions on nearly a weekly basis. Also impressive was Heyward's 3.8 percent missed tackle rate, the third-lowest clip among any defender with 700 or more snaps."

There is little doubt that Heyward will be remembered as one of the definitive Steelers' players of his generation, and perhaps from any generation. The five separate contracts he's signed in Pittsburgh is a good indication of what the organization feels about him.

But Heyward still appears to have plenty of gas in the tank as well. While it remains to be seen if he'll play beyond 2026, the Steelers will be happy to have one of the leaders of the organization back in the fold for at least one more campaign.