Cam Heyward and the Steelers have agreed to a revised contract, which adds $3.2 million in incentives tied to playoffs and playoff wins. He can now make up to $18 million in total compensation in 2025.
He will now play in Sunday’s season opener against the Jets.
Heyward, 36, had been willing to miss games over his contract, which became public knowledge near the end of training camp. He remained steadfast in that stance, telling local reporters on Friday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex that he still wasn't sure if he was going to play Sunday afternoon.
More than anything, Heyward wanted a raise. He's coming off an All-Pro year, but was entering this season as the 22nd-ranked defensive tackle in average annual salary. Ironically enough, this deal does not increase his salary, but relies on playoff success.
"Not a lot of players have gotten incentives over here. A lot of it is stemmed from just quarterbacks," Heyward said Friday. "There's different ways to handle the situation. I'm all for proving that. I’m not running away from it. My career has always been about proving it. We’ve got time. We’ll see what happens."
However it got done, it's now in the past. All contracts are settled, and the Steelers can show up to MetLife Stadium on Sunday morning solely focused on beating the Jets.
THE ASYLUM
Heyward, Steelers agree to deal
Cam Heyward and the Steelers have agreed to a revised contract, which adds $3.2 million in incentives tied to playoffs and playoff wins. He can now make up to $18 million in total compensation in 2025.
He will now play in Sunday’s season opener against the Jets.
Heyward, 36, had been willing to miss games over his contract, which became public knowledge near the end of training camp. He remained steadfast in that stance, telling local reporters on Friday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex that he still wasn't sure if he was going to play Sunday afternoon.
More than anything, Heyward wanted a raise. He's coming off an All-Pro year, but was entering this season as the 22nd-ranked defensive tackle in average annual salary. Ironically enough, this deal does not increase his salary, but relies on playoff success.
"Not a lot of players have gotten incentives over here. A lot of it is stemmed from just quarterbacks," Heyward said Friday. "There's different ways to handle the situation. I'm all for proving that. I’m not running away from it. My career has always been about proving it. We’ve got time. We’ll see what happens."
However it got done, it's now in the past. All contracts are settled, and the Steelers can show up to MetLife Stadium on Sunday morning solely focused on beating the Jets.
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