The Pittsburgh Steelers are keeping around one of their best defenders for at least one extra season.
Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward has agreed to a new, two-year deal with the Steelers worth $32.25 million that keeps him in Pittsburgh through 2027. Heyward had been set to enter the final year of his previous contract, but this new deal fully guarantees Heyward’s 2026 salary and extends his time in the Steel City by a year.
The transaction, which was initially reported by The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo, also frees $5.5 million in cap space, per DeFabo.
Heyward, 36, is set to enter his 16th NFL season in 2026. He has played all 15 years of his career in Pittsburgh, earning seven Pro Bowl nods and four seasons on the All-Pro first team.
With his 92 career sacks, Heyward ranks just behind teammate T.J. Watt (115) for second-most in franchise history. Heyward’s 142 career tackles for a loss are the most by any Steelers defender since at least 1999, per Pro Football Reference.
In 2025, Heyward started all 17 games and recorded 78 tackles (nine for a loss), 3.5 sacks, six pass defenses and a forced fumble.
Cameron Heyward contract details
Here’s how Heyward’s new deal with the Steelers looks:
- Length: Two years
- Total contract value: $32.25 million
- Guaranteed money: $16.25 million
- Average annual value (AAV): $16.125 million
Cameron Heyward stats
Heyward is in second place on the Raiders’ list of career sack leaders since at least 1982, when the NFL started tracking the stat. Here’s a look at his career stats:
- Tackles (for a loss): 796 (142)
- Quarterback hits: 208
- Sacks: 92
- Forced fumbles: 9
- Passes defensed: 64
- Interceptions: 2
Heyward has been a Pro Bowl defensive tackle in seven of his last nine seasons. In 2024, he earned his fourth first-team All-Pro nod.