Steelers’ Cameron Heyward Breaks Silence on New Contract Incentives

Four-time first-team All-Pro defensive lineman Cameron Heyward declined to discuss his new contract incentives after the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New York Jets. Heyward then didn’t address the topic on the September 10 episode of his podcast, “Not Just Football.”

But Heyward wasn’t going to be able to publicly avoid his reworked contract the entire season. The defensive lineman addressed the incentives added to his new deal in front of reporters Thursday.

“I’m only realizing how more I’m relieved because I’m sleeping a lot better; I’m glad to put that behind us,” Heyward said, via DK Pittsburgh Sports. “I’m glad I can just focus on football and go out there and earn it.”

The Steelers agreed to add $3.2 million in incentives to Heyward’s 2025 contract. TribLive.com’s Joe Rutter reported Thursday that Heyward will earn half of his incentives if he posts eight sacks, and the Steelers make the postseason.

Heyward will get the other half of his incentive should he register 11.5 sacks, and the Steelers win a playoff game.

If Heyward and the Steelers achieve both, he will make a little under $18 million for 2025. According to Spotrac, the defensive lineman will receive $14.75 million in cash for this season.

Steelers & Cameron Heyward Reached Contract Compromise

The defensive lineman received the opportunity for additional pay in 2025. He will get the chance to make more money despite the Steelers usual team policy of not addressing contracts that have more than two years remaining.

But while those were wins for Heyward, he will potentially give up something too.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported if Heyward doesn’t play more than 30 percent of Pittsburgh’s defensive snaps in 2025, his roster bonus will drop to $875,000.

That’s a big risk for Heyward. His 2026 roster bonus before the restructured deal was set to be $12.95 million. But the new term will protect the Steelers if the 36-year-old suffers a serious injury.

While a great risk, Heyward appears to see it as part of NFL negotiations.

“It has to be a compromise on both sides,” Heyward told reporters. “I understand they don’t normally do it (new deals with two years left). All I’m asking is for an opportunity to go out and earn it.”

Heyward Motivated to Win Super Bowl, Not to Reach Incentives

NFL teams often include incentives in contracts to provide players extra motivation. But Heyward portrayed the notion that his drive to play well and win couldn’t be any higher.

“It doesn’t motivate me any more (than before),” Heyward added. “The goal is not to just win a playoff game, it’s to win a Super Bowl. This is more icing on the cake.”

Heyward and his family will undoubtably enjoy the extra $3.2 million if the defensive lineman earns it. But as the saying goes, money comes and goes.

With five All-Pro nominations and seven Pro Bowls, Heyward has cemented himself as one of the best defensive linemen in team history. But he’s missing playoff success on his resume.

A Super Bowl is the last accomplishment Heyward has left to achieve to truly cement his Steelers legacy.

Steelers Fans Get Crucial Update On Pittsburgh's Level Of Interest In Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill

The Pittsburgh Steelers' passing attack was not the issue in Week 1 against the New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers and this offense lit it up through the air, passing for four touchdowns and 244 yards in the 34-32 win over the Jets. Despite offseason questions about whether the team needed to add more weapons at wide receiver, Rodgers showed he could make the most of the talent currently on the roster.

The Steelers have DK Metcalf as their clear star, while Calvin Austin III continues to rise as a reliable target. Beyond those two, the rest of the production should be more of a committee approach, with multiple players contributing at key moments. This approach has kept the offense balanced, but it also highlights the lack of a true second star at the wide receiver position. Adding another top-tier receiver could take some pressure off Rodgers and open up the offense even more.

Mike Florio recently reported there is already chatter about the Steelers potentially trading for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is reportedly disgruntled in his current situation. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac confirmed that Pittsburgh has not shown a level of interest in acquiring a wide receiver, especially not Hill. While nothing is certain, it sounds like right now the Steelers feel very confident in Austin and the rest of the weapons on offense.

"Not likely, especially Hill," Dulac said in response to a fan who asked how likely the Steelers are to add a wide receiver.

While that does not mean a trade is impossible, it does put a bit of cold water on the news that Hill could come to Steel City. For starters, Hill has been unhappy in Miami for a couple of years now, and nothing from the Dolphins’ Week 1 performance suggests that situation is changing. If things continue to deteriorate in Miami, the situation could eventually open the door for Pittsburgh to explore a move for Hill. However, Dulac would not bet on it happening.

The Steelers clearly have a lot of faith in Austin. He put on a show in Week 1 against the Jets, catching four passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. Austin was a difference-maker, and if he continues to play at that level every game during the 2025 season, the Steelers’ passing attack will be just fine.

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Steelers' Calvin Austin III In Great Spot In Pittsburgh

With Austin emerging and Metcalf already established as the team’s top target, Pittsburgh has a strong foundation at wide receiver even without a potential blockbuster addition. While Hill would certainly add star power, the Steelers have proven they can move the ball through the air effectively with the talent currently on the roster. At least in Week 1, it's a long NFL season.

Austin is in a great spot in Pittsburgh, where he has made the most of every opportunity he has been given. Now, with Rodgers throwing him the ball and following his impressive Week 1 performance, Austin is really starting to showcase what he can do in the NFL. He will look to build off of his strong showing against the Jets in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks.

Do you still think the Steelers need help at wide receiver? Why or why not?