Cameron Heyward’s new deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers makes him the second-highest paid player on the roster behind only quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
A source told PFT’s Mike Florio that Heyward’s deal is a five-year extension worth $59.25 million. The new money average of $10.45 million a year is higher than Corey Liuget of the San Diego Chargers and falls just behind Cameron Jordan of the New Orleans Saints.
The deal surpasses those given to Lawrence Timmons, Maurkice Pouncey and Antoinio Brown in average annual value.
Heyward is the highest paid non-Pro Bowl player among 5-tech defensive ends and will earn $21 million in the first eight months of the contract.
He set a career high with 7.5 sacks last year and posting five sacks in his first season as a starter in 2013. For his career, Heyward has totaled 106 tackles, 15 sacks and 12 passes defensed.
The contract runs through the 2020 season.