Heyward seals $3.2M incentives with Steelers ahead of Week 1 vs Jets

Cam Heyward and the Pittsburgh Steelers reached an eleventh hour agreement Saturday that adds more than 3 million dollars in incentives to the veteran defensive tackle's 2025 pay, clearing the way for the 36 year old to play in the Steelers' season opener Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the New York Jets. The revised terms raise Heyward's potential earnings for the season to roughly 18 million, according to multiple reports.

The incentive package is reported to total about 3.2 million and is split into two equal parts. Heyward would receive roughly 1.6 million if he records eight sacks and the Steelers make the playoffs, and another 1.6 million if he reaches 11.5 sacks and the team wins a playoff game. The deal also includes a provision that would reduce a 2026 roster bonus by about 875,000 if Heyward participates in fewer than 30 percent of the team's defensive snaps in 2025, a clause designed to protect the team if the veteran misses significant time.

Heyward had staged a partial hold in training camp and sat out portions of team drills while seeking a reworked deal after a strong 2024 campaign that earned him First Team All Pro honors. He told reporters in August he had...