The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed defensive end Cam Heyward to a new six-year contract. The contract will pay him $59.25 million and run through 2020, according to a report by Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Heyward, 26, was the team’s first-round draft pick in 2011 out of Ohio State University. He’s played in every game for the team since then and has started 29 of the team’s 32 regular-season games over the past two seasons. He also started in the team’s playoff game against the Ravens last season, making two tackles.
In 2014, he led the Steelers defensive line with 7.5 sacks, 35 tackles and 20 assists. He also solidified his presence as one of the team’s leaders on the d-line in the absence of injured veteran defensive end Brett Keisel.
He is expected to start again at left defensive end in 2015, joining veteran nose Steve McLendon and 2014 second-round draft pick Stephon Tuitt at right defensive end.
Hayward posted a picture of himself signing his new contract on Twitter, saying, “I love this organization! Very blessed and excited about continuing my career as a Steeler!”
Heyward had one year remaining on his old contract, which was scheduled to pay him $6.97 million next season. This new contract will supersede his old one.
Heyward is the son of former NFL and University of Pittsburgh running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward. He was born in Pittsburgh.
Photo credit: CBS Sports
