The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t like to negotiate new contracts with players once the regular season begins, so with the Atlanta Falcons game in Week 1 just days away, the clock was ticking.

The team did get a new extension done Tuesday, and that was in the form of Cam Heyward getting a new 3-year contract extension.

We have signed DT Cameron Heyward to a new three-year contract. @BordasLaw

📝: https://t.co/NjaB7p5OhL pic.twitter.com/z4TkxNT2sq

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 3, 2024

The most obvious question at this point is what are the financial terms of the deal. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the 3-year deal is worth $45 million with $29 million in new money, and $16 million fully guaranteed.

Sources: The #Steelers and six-time Pro Bowl DE Cam Heyward have agreed to a three-year, $45M deal that includes $29 million in new money and $16 million fully guaranteed.

Heyward, 35, who had $16M left on the final year of his previous deal, is now under contract through 2026,… pic.twitter.com/Ca41KhT9sK

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 3, 2024

This is a fair deal for an aging player, and at a position where players have absolutely succeeded later in their careers and still be effective. Nonetheless, the Steelers are showing a lot of faith in Heyward to return to form, and it is now up to Heyward to show the two surgeries he had this offseason have fixed the problem with his groin and he is ready to start abusing offensive linemen on a weekly basis again.

If you are wondering how much this saves the Steelers on the 2024 salary cap, our own cap guru Dave Schofield is estimating this saves the Steelers $9.86 million against this year’s cap.

Based on my calculations from the reported numbers of Cam Heyward’s contract, it will save the #Steelers $9.86M against this year’s cap. His cap number for the next 2 years will each be smaller than what it was going to be this year. A $15 M APY is lower than his last deal.

— Dave Schofield (@STLRSuperFanDad) September 3, 2024

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Falcons in Week 1 of the regular season.