Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward was not interested in talking about his new contract.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward agreed to a revised contract in the 11th hour leading up to their regular season opener against the New York Jets. However, Heyward was not interested in addressing the situation that he had spent much of the offseason pushing.
Instead, the team captain wanted to focus on the team’s 34-32 win, which also came down to the wire.
“I don’t really want to talk about it now,” Heyward said. “I’ll answer that later. It’s not anything special, but we just won a big freaking game against the New York Jets. New quarterback. New freaking weapons. New freaking players on our side of the ball. Big win. I can’t really focus on anything else.”
Heyward may be downplaying his new deal for now, but that wasn’t the case for much of the offseason. He threatened to sit out in Week 1 and beyond if he didn’t get the raise he was looking for.
The Steelers ultimately added $3.2 million in incentives tied to playoffs and playoff wins to Heyward’s contract, which allows him to earn up to $18 million this season. He proved them right for doing so on Sunday while recording three tackles, one for a loss and a pass defensed.
Heyward signed a two-year, $29 million contract extension with Pittsburgh last year that paid him a $14.7 million signing bonus. He was also paid a $13.45 million roster bonus this March and was owed only another $1.3 million this season for a total of $14.75 million in cash over 2025.
The 36-year-old will now try to replicate his 2024 campaign, during which he racked up 71 tackles, eight sacks and 11 passes defensed.
Alan Saunders and Brenden Howe provided reporting for East Rutherford N.J.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Cam Heyward Downplays New Contract: ‘It’s Not Anything Special’
