Steelers sign Pro Bowl DT Cam Heyward to 3-year deal at age 35

The Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday signed franchise veteran and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Cam Heyward to a three-year contract.

Heyward and the Steelers announced the news, but not the terms. ESPN reports the deal is for $45 million over three years, with $29 million in new money and $16 million guaranteed. The guaranteed money — as with most NFL contracts — is crucial. At 35, Heyward doesn’t expect to play out the deal.

But the contract sees Heyward retire from the Steelers after 13 seasons with the franchise. Heyward joined the Steelers in 2011 as a first-round pick and has remained in Pittsburgh ever since.

“There are certain guys that are one-helmet guys,” Heyward said, according to a team release. “I want to be one of those one-helmet guys.”

Heyward shared a photo on social media of himself smiling as he signs the papers.

Can Heyward return to form?

The Steelers are counting on Heyward to return to form after a groin injury limited him to 11 games last season. He was expected to miss nine to 12 weeks after suffering the injury in Week 1. He returned after missing six games, but his performance suffered. He was limited to two sacks and 35 tackles in 11 games.

Before his injury, Heyward was enjoying his best NFL seasons in the second half of his career. He made six straight Pro Bowls from 2017-22, including a 2022 campaign in which he recorded 74 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 23 quarterback hits. He was an All-Pro four times during that span, including two first-team selections.

He returns to a Steelers team in transition and at risk of the first losing record of head coach Mike Tomlin’s career. Pittsburgh starts Russell Wilson at quarterback this season after parting ways with former first-round pick Kenny Pickett. It plays in a tough AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns all expected to battle for a playoff spot.