Cameron Heyward

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.

Steelers four-time All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward has been awaiting a restructured contract that has not gotten done.

Fantasy Impact

This explains why Cameron Heyward hasn’t fully participated in practice yet this summer. He is scheduled to make $14.75 million this season, with $13.45 million of that already having been earned as a roster bonus in March. This will remain a situation to monitor.