Cam Heyward’s Surprise Contract Restructure Sets Stage for Dramatic Return Against Jets Sunday

It took until the eleventh hour, but the Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward have finally struck a restructured contract deal — just a day before kickoff against the New York Jets. After a tense offseason hold-in that had fans and analysts on edge, Heyward secured an additional $3.2 million in incentives, boosting his potential earnings to nearly $18 million. The seasoned Steelers stalwart, heading into his 15th NFL season, had initially been noncommittal about suiting up for Week 1, but now he’s back on the field, ready to roll. This new pact reflects Heyward’s remarkable turnaround from an injury-plagued 2023 to an All-Pro caliber campaign in 2024, where he tallied his fourth All-Pro selection. Coach Mike Tomlin, clearly eager to see his defensive anchor back in action, described Heyward as “champing at the bit.” It’s a story of persistence, value, and the fierce desire of a rare “one-helmet” guy to solidify his legacy right where it all began. LEARN MORE.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive lineman Cam Heyward have agreed to a restructured contract after an offseason hold-in, per multiple reports. The revised deal will give Heyward an added $3.2 million in incentives, giving the veteran tackle a chance to earn nearly $18 million.

Heyward and the Steelers brought things down to the wire, agreeing on a deal one day before Pittsburgh’s season opener against the New York Jets. Heyward, who initially refused to commit to playing in Week 1, will play on Sunday after all.

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Heyward is entering his 15th season in the NFL, all of them with the Steelers.

Heyward, a seven-time Pro-Bowler and the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year, is on the first year of a two-year, $29 million extension — a deal he signed coming off of an injury-ridden 2023 season. But in August, Heyward told reporters that he wanted a new deal that reflected his stellar 2024 season, where he earned his fourth All-Pro honor.

“It’s hard for me, after the year that I had, to really justify playing at the number I’m playing at,” Heyward said at the time. “I understand I signed a contract last year. But to be completely honest with you, when I signed that, I told them, ‘When I have an All-Pro year, expect me to come back.'”

Heyward initially did not fully participate in offseason practice this season while seeking a new version of his deal, but returned to practice in mid-August despite not making progress on negotiations. After confirming his hold-in, Heyward hinted at the possibility that he would be willing to miss regular-season games to get his deal, and told reporters “we’ll see” about his availability on Friday.

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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters earlier this week that he expected Heyward to play.

“I’m sure he’s champing at the bit,” Tomlin said.

Now, Heyward, who has previously expressed his desire to be “one of those one-helmet guys,” gets to secure a more comfortable short-term future with the Steelers, and will be out there for Sunday’s season opener after resolving the contract issue.