After a week of speculation regarding Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward’s status to open the season, it has been confirmed that the seven-time Pro Bowler will suit up today against the New York Jets.
Following a long contract dispute that dragged through the summer, the Steelers and Heyward agreed Saturday on a revised deal that will add over $3 million in incentives this season, allowing him to earn up $18 million in 2025. The deal was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Heyward’s push for a new deal stretched through the offseason, even leading to a brief training camp hold-in. He later returned to full participation, but hinted on Friday that he might sit out the opener without an agreement. That standoff ended Saturday evening, as the veteran defensive tackle secured the contract sweetener he had been seeking.
Heyward remains central to Pittsburgh’s defensive success. When the veteran lineman was on the field in 2024, opponents managed just 3.8 yards per rush attempt, a figure that would have ranked second-best in the league. Without him on the field, the average ballooned to 4.8 yards, which would place near the bottom at 29th. Only Dallas, New Orleans, and Carolina surrendered worse marks.
Despite entering his 15th NFL season, Heyward remains an elite presence on the interior, coming off his fourth career first-team All-Pro appearance. In 17 games last season, Heyward had eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, 71 total tackles, and a career-best 11 pass deflections.
Heyward’s presence gives Pittsburgh a stabilizing force up front. Pittsburgh’s defense will not only lean on his production but also his leadership as they open the season.
