Sources: Steelers, Cameron Heyward finalizing 4-year extension

Looks like we get him for 5 more years....

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PITTSBURGH -- On the eve of the first regular-season week, the Pittsburgh Steelers secured their defensive anchor for at least five more years with a historic contract.

The Steelers and All-Pro defensive lineman Cameron Heyward have finalized a five-year, $75.1 million extension, a league source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler late Sunday night. The monster contract yields the highest per-year average for any defensive player over the age of 30 in NFL history.

The deal includes the last year of Heyward's current contract and has $65.6 million in new money.

A 2011 first-rounder, Heyward, 31, is entering his 10th season with the Steelers coming off a nine-sack, Pro Bowl season. The Ohio State product, a starter for the last seven seasons, has 54 career sacks and 117 quarterback hits.

Heyward seemingly tweeted confirmation of the deal Sunday night, posting a video of his head superimposed on Leonardo DiCaprio's in an infamous "Wolf of Wall Street" scene in which DiCaprio's character proclaims he isn't leaving. Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Conner, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Maurkice Pouncey and T.J. Watt are also photoshopped into the clip.

Full article: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29827508/sources-steelers-cameron-heyward-finalizing-4-year-extension

I'm glad they got it done. I do have mixed emotions about 5 years though in regard to the possible cap hit if he isn't able to play out the contract.

is the contract front loaded?

Great player, but that is a large contract.

guess trying to get the Superbowl this year gangling that big contract in front of the whole defense. if Ben has the arm all season the offense has the weapons the defense has to step it up big time this year.

All Ben needs to do is score 10 more points a game then last year and this team goes 13-3.

The Defense will be even better because they wont be on the field as much. The Offense was ranked one of the worst in the league last year in time of possesion.

If the D can avoid injuries and Ben can stay healthy this team has a serious shot at taking the AFC North and competing for a shot at the ring.

From Gerry Dulac at Post Gazette:

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Steelers might not be done signing another player to a new deal before season starts, per source.

If any player on our team has earned a new contract it's Cam Heyward. Dude has been rock solid throughout his career, and might just be the best 3-4 end in the NFL. I'm glad they got the deal done. Not only is he a phenomenal player, he's also the heart and soul of the defensive line, and a locker room leader. Money well spent.

I agree he deserves a new contract and I also hope my concern about the length isn't necessary. I am glad they locked him up.

think of the contract TJ Watt going to get.

effyou515 wrote:

think of the contract TJ Watt going to get.

I'm thinking highest at his position in the league.