Steelers and Cam Heyward Agree to Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers' longest-tenured player is going to stick around for a bit longer, as veteran defensive end Cam Heyward has agreed to a three-year, $45 million extension that keeps him under contract until 2026, according to insider Jeremy Fowler . He was originally entering the final year of his contract.

According to Fowler, the deal includes $29 million in new money and $16 million guaranteed, as well as a signing bonus of nearly $15 million. This deal will allow Heyward, a long-time captain with the team, to retire as a Steeler.

Heyward is entering his 14th season as a Steeler since being selected in the first round in 2011. A four-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler, and 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year recipient, Heyward has been a cornerstone of the Steelers' defense for over a decade.

While Heyward and the Steelers have negotiated his new contract, he has continued to show up and participate in practices at the facility. In a time when many NFL stars have held out from participating with their teams in order to gain new deals, Heyward decided to stick with his franchise, and continued to show up.

Heyward might not be the only Steelers player earning a new contract, as multiple reports claim that the team has been in negotiations with tight end Pat Freiermuth as well, although nothing has come to fruition yet.

Heyward and the Steelers will open their season against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.