Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers give Cam Heyward a historic contract extension

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 8:18 PM ET

In what has become something of a yearly tradition between the Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive lineman Cam Heyward, the two sides agreed on a two-year contract extension on Tuesday that will guarantee his return to the team for the 2026 season. It will also save the team some additional salary-cap space this offseason.

Steelers, Cam Heyward agree to two-year contract extension

This is the third offseason in a row the Steelers and Heyward have worked out a new deal, with this one being the least complicated.

It is reportedly a two-year, $32.25 million contract, with $16.25 million in fully guaranteed money. It also creates an additional $5.5 million in salary-cap space for the team this offseason.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the $18 million in new money makes it the largest contract ever given to a defensive player age 36 or older.

Heyward is about to enter his age-37 season for the Steelers during the 2026 season.

The #Steelers agreed to terms with DT Cam Heyward on a contract extension worth $32.25M, including $16.25M fully guaranteed, per sources.

The deal carries $18M in new-money APY, making it the largest contract ever awarded to an NFL defensive player age 36 or older.

It’s… pic.twitter.com/aiIBNtW4cY
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 10, 2026

Heyward originally signed a contract extension with the Steelers two years ago and immediately seemed disappointed with it, saying that when he had an All-Pro season he was coming back for more money. Following an All-Pro performance, he indeed came back looking for a new deal going into the 2025 season. That produced a rather contentious negotiation that was ultimately resolved before he missed any games.

Now he gets this extension this offseason, which mostly seemed to be done to guarantee his spot on the 2026 roster while also creating some additional salary-cap flexibility this offseason.

Heyward has played all 15 years of his career with the Steelers and been one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL during that stretch. He has been a four-time first-team All-Pro and a two-time second-team All-Pro, including this past season. Even as he plays deeper into his 30s, he remains one of the most consistent and productive defensive linemen in football.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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