The Pittsburgh Steelers broke one of their franchise precedents by paying star defensive tackle Cam Heyward on Saturday. That means Heyward will play, but it could also set into motion some changes for the team in the future.
Pittsburgh has not given non-quarterbacks incentives before in a deal. However, Heyward got $3 million in incentives, cracking that tradition. In addition, the Steelers typically do not change contracts two years out, but this is the first time they have done that.
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.
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