Availability
Cameron Heyward and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a one-year extension on his current contract and the veteran is now signed through 2027. His new deal is worth $32.25 million, including $16.25 million fully guaranteed, and saves $5.5 million in cap space.
Fantasy Impact
Heyward is an anomaly in the days of free agency as he has spent his entire 15-year career with the Steelers - and now he is guaranteed two more years in the Black and Gold. The veteran defensive lineman earned Second Team All-Pro honors last season, finishing with 78 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. At the age of 36, he started all 17 games and played 71% of the snaps on defense in 2025. The future Hall of Famer is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a six-time All-Pro honoree. In 228 career games, Heyward has totaled 796 tackles and 92 sacks in his career. He will continue to be a key member of the Steelers' defensive front for the next two seasons.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward have reached an agreement on a contract sweetener that gives Heyward $3.2 million in playoff-based incentives.
Fantasy Impact
The veteran defensive lineman wanted additional money after saying that he told the team he would come back "when" he had another All-Pro campaign. Heyward can now earn up to $18 million this season, setting him up to play in Week 1 after having a back-and-forth affair through training camp. Even at his age (36), he is among the best DTs in the league and should provide an immediate boost to the Steelers' front seven.
Cameron Heyward (rest) was a non-participant at practice on Thursday.
Fantasy Impact
The veteran was not taking part in practice on Thursday. The team gave him the day off as a veteran rest day, and they may continue to do that for him over the course of the season. He is expected to be good to go for Sunday's season opener against the New York Jets.
Cameron Heyward was at practice on Tuesday as he continues to seek a new contract.
Fantasy Impact
Heyward had said he didn't rule out missing games during the season. This will remain a situation to monitor over the next couple of weeks.
Pittsburgh Steelers veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward did not rule out the possibility of sitting out games amid his contract dispute, saying he was looking to be properly compensated while remaining a "one-helmet guy."
Fantasy Impact
Heyward said of the possibility of sitting out: "I think there are definitely options out there that could reflect that." Heyward admitted that when he signed his contract last offseason, he told them he would return this offseason "when I have an All-Pro year." After earning his fifth All-Pro nod, he is back at the negotiating table. While he is 36 years old, his contract is tied for 22nd in average annual value ($14.5 million) among interior defensive linemen.