UPDATE: Breer is now reporting that he had New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan confused with Cameron Heyward.
Wanna correct something — communication error here. Cam Jordan, not Cam Heyward, had his option picked up. My mistake.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 21, 2014
As expected, the Pittsburgh Steelers have exercised the fifth-year option on the rookie contract signed back in 2011 by defensive end Cameron Heyward, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network. By exercising Heyward’s fifth-year, the Steelers will have to pay the Ohio State product a $6.969 million salary in 2015 unless a long-term extension can be worked out between now and then. Heyward’s $6.969 million salary in 2015 is guaranteed right now against injury only, so you can see why it was smart for the Steelers to exercise the option when you consider that the franchise tag next offseason for defensive ends will be roughly double that amount. Had the option not been exercised, Heyward would have been an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2014 season. Heyward was drafted 31st overall in 2011 and he had a breakout season in 2013. The Steelers can now work on extending Heyward’s contract at any time moving forward, but it could take until next year during training camp before the two sides come to terms.
Fifth-year options for Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson, Bengals WR AJ Green and Steelers DL Cameron Heyward were officially exercised today.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 21, 2014
Breer is reporting now that Heyward’s option has not been picked up as of yet.. Stay tuned.
