PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Friday in an interview with Pittsburgh reporters, Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward said he didn’t know if he would play Sunday in the season opener. Turns out he will play as his contract was altered.
The 36-year-old had been seeking more money after signing a two-year contract extension last year for $29 million. He was holding occasional ‘hold-ins’ during practice saying he told the management if he had a big year in 2024, he would come back for more money.
Saturday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported he will get more on his deal, but in incentives. And those incentives are tied to something the team hasn’t done in nearly a decade.
Heyward will earn more than $3 million in bonuses based on playoffs and playoff wins.
There had been talk about forwarding money from next year’s contract, but the Steelers decided to go the incentive route which they rarely do with players.
Season opens at the Jets Sunday afternoon as the team retains its long-standing policy of not negotiating in-season. This agreement came hours before kickoff. Both Heyward and Mike Tomlin said he had done enough work that he will be ready for the first game even though he hasn’t been a full participant this offseason.