Cam Heyward’s Deal Looks Like Steal after Quinnen Williams Contract

Cam Heyward signed his deal all the way back in 2020 to remain with the Steelers long term. His deal will keep him with the team through the 2024 season where he will then hit the free agent market if he wants to do that. With the captain of the Steelers defense still playing at a high level, it is interesting to look at where the value sits now.

To say the least, it’s an absolute steal. The deal came in around $71.4 million in total when you considered the fifth year that was on his previous contract. However, the extension itself came out to be around $65.4 million in total or $16.4 million a year according to Over the Cap.

Now, looking at it, the deal looks a like a heist. Heyward is paid as the 17th best interior defensive linemen in the NFL, while playing at a top ten level for most of it. This tweet from Adam Schefter showcases just how much the value of interior defensive linemen contracts have ballooned since Heyward signed his all the way back in 2020.

Quinnen Williams becomes the latest DT to sign a mega contract this offseason: 

🏉 Quinnen Williams: 4-years, $96 million.
🏉 Jeffery Simmons: 4-years, $94M
🏉 Daron Payne: 4-years, $90M
🏉 Dexter Lawrence: 4-years, $90M
🏉 Javon Hargrave: 4-years, $84M
🏉 Ed Oliver: 4-years,…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 13, 2023

Williams makes $24 million a year, while someone like Ed Oliver even makes more than Heyward. So, there’s two ways to look at this. In terms of value, there’s not a better contract at the position right now really than the one that Heyward has signed. There will be more to come, too. Heyward might get bumped down this list a few more spots when all is said and done. So, the value is incredible right now, as it is with most aging contracts.

Of course, there is the question of what if Heyward wants to keep playing beyond this contract. He’s 34 years old, but if that does happen, the money that it will take to keep Heyward is likely to be quite expensive. And given what he has done to this point, it would seemingly be the right move. Heyward has played like an elite defensive tackle and should be paid like one once the dust settles if he so chooses to want to be.

However, for right now, it’s hard to not look at that contract and be stunned at how much of a steal it is, and it’s the best one the team has at the moment. A cornerstone in the locker room and on the field, Heyward has been the bastion of durability and production that the Steelers have needed up front. He’s been worth every penny and more.