The Pittsburgh Steelers made edge rusher T.J. Watt the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a three-year, $123 million extension last month.
But there’s another Steelers All-Pro defender who’s looking for a raise.
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Defensive tackle Cam Heyward hasn’t fully participated in practice yet during training camp, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reported Thursday that the 36-year-old Heyward wants a restructured deal that reflects the reset market for defensive players in the league.
At the moment, Heyward is on track to be the NFL’s 36th highest-paid defensive lineman, and 18th highest-paid defensive tackle, this season, per ESPN.
The 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year has two years left on his Steelers extension, which he signed last September. He’s due to make $14.75 million this season, according to ESPN.
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Schefter reported Thursday that, although Heyward and the Steelers have discussed the matter privately, the two sides haven’t made progress on a restructured deal.
Heyward is coming off a bounce-back 2024 campaign, during which he earned his fourth first-team All-Pro honor of his career, which started with the Steelers drafting him No. 31 overall in the 2011 draft.
The Ohio State product, who has made five total All-Pro teams and seven Pro Bowls during his soon-to-be 15-year career, started all 17 games in 2024. He recorded a career-high 11 passes defended last season, in addition to tallying 71 total tackles, 12 TFLs and 8 sacks.
Recently extended general manager Omar Khan has been busy this offseason revamping a roster the Steelers hope ends their eight-season drought without a playoff win.
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Pittsburgh traded with the Seattle Seahawks for wide receiver DK Metcalf, whom the Steelers then gave a four-year, $132 million extension. The Steelers also traded for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, both formerly with the Miami Dolphins, and gave a raise to Ramsey while signing Smith to a one-year extension.
In addition to breaking the bank to keep Watt around, Khan inked 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year, $13 million contract.
And, yet, it seems like the fourth-year Steelers GM still has paperwork on his plate. Not only is Heyward looking for a new deal, but so is kicker Chris Boswell, according to Schefter’s latest report.
