The Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive tackle Cam Heyward have agreed on a new deal with incentives baked in that could allow the star to earn more money.
Heyward could earn up to $3 million more in incentives that is tied to playoff wins and other successes in the playoffs, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The star originally was scheduled to make around $15 million.
This is not necessarily what Heyward was asking for, as he wanted an overt raise with bonuses likely being taken from his 2026 bonus and moving it up to 2025 to give him more guaranteed salary. Instead, it will all be based on team success.
Heyward, who is the 22nd highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL, says he talked to the team in late February that he would like a new deal. In Heyward’s own words, he just wants to be valued relative to the market that has continued to soar.
He has two more years left on the deal, and at 36, he could call it quits at the expiration of his deal. However, if Heyward would want to play longer beyond this deal, there could be another dispute next year.
The Steelers have a precedent of not touching contracts with two or more seasons on them. They also do not negotiate contracts in season. That is why time was of the essence in the negotiations here.
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