Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward announced Thursday night on Twitter that he’s signed a new long-term contract extension with the team.
Heyward, who was drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, was about to enter the final year of his current contract prior to signing the new deal. After his fifth-year option was picked up last offseason, Heyward was scheduled to earn $6.969 million in 2015.
Several weeks ago, Cameron Jordan of the New Orleans Saints and Corey Liuget of the San Diego Chargers, both defensive ends, signed new long-term extensions and Heyward’s new deal should be similar in regard to total value and guaranteed money. Here is the contract projection I put together several weeks ago.
Last season, Heyward recorded 53 total tackles and his 7.5 sacks tied him for the team lead with linebacker Jason Worilds. He is now the unquestioned leader of the Steelers defensive line after veteran Brett Keisel was released early in the offseason.
ETA: according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Heyward’s new deal which runs through the 2020 season, totals out at $59.25 million.
I love this organization! Very blessed and excited about continuing my career as a Steeler! #somanythanks #greatday pic.twitter.com/kcil0bsHal
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) July 17, 2015
never know how much it means 2 stay a steeler! I grew up admiring the steelers I bleed black & gold. Iron head is looking down with a smile
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) July 17, 2015
