Former Buckeye Cam Heyward signs lucrative extension with Pittsburgh Steelers

Cam Heyward is receiving a nice chunk of change with his new contract extension.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported on Sunday that Heyward agreed to a 4-year extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, meaning he’s under contract with the franchise for the next five seasons. The extension is worth $65.6 million and his total over the next five years will hit $75.1 million.

Per Rapoport, Heyward becomes the highest-paid defensive player over the age of 30 in NFL history.

The #Steelers and DT Cam Heyward have agreed to terms on a 4-year extension worth $65.6M in new money, source said. In all he’s under contract for 5 years and $75.1M. He’s now the highest paid defensive player over 30 in NFL history based in yearly average.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2020

Heyward, a former first-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh. He’s collected 397 tackles, 54 sacks, 30 pass deflections and 6 forced fumbles.

Over the course of his 9-year career, Heyward is a 3-time Pro-Bowl selection and 2-time First-Team All-Pro.

Last season, Heyward finished the season with 83 total tackles, including 51 solo stops. He also registered 9 sacks and forced a fumble. The Steelers are set to open the 2020 season on Sept. 14 against the New York Giants.