Cam Heyward celebrated signing his new six-year contract on Friday morning by doing what he does just about every day.
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The 31st pick in the 2011 Draft, Heyward was underwhelming in his first two years, but became a full-time starter on the Steelers defense in 2013 and broke out with 5 sacks, 59 tackles, and 7 passes deflected.
Heyward didn’t start a game over his first two seasons before stepping into the starting lineup in 2013.
His rookie deal expires after the 2015 season, and for an idea of just how good he’s been consider this: Beachum ranked fifth among all left tackles last season, according to ProFootballFocus, behind Jason Peters, Andrew Whitworth, Joe Thomas and Joe Staley. Heyward tweeted. “Very blessed and excited about continuing my career as a Steeler!”
After a slow start to his career, Heyward as become a force for the Pittsburgh defense. Heyward will make roughly $21 million over the first eight months of the deal. “I am glad to know I get to be near family and get to be a part of this organization for a little bit longer”.
Heyward is now the NFL’s 11 highest paid defensive end and it goes without saying that he is a critical part of this team and defense, now in a transition to a new generation.
The Steelers’ defense isn’t built to create large numbers from the end spot.
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Heyward was on top of the team’s list of players to re-sign after they agreed on an extension with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger earlier this offseason, and with Heyward’s deal keeping him in Pittsburgh for the long-term, who will be next for the team to sign? LeBeau preferred to have his ends essentially block for the outside linebackers. His salary last season was $1,289,322 and his cap hit $2,133,418. “I grew up admiring the Steelers I bleed Black & Gold”. Craig Heyward died in 2006.
