HEYWARD GETS $ 75M DEAL
The Steelers and defensive end Cam Heyward agreed Sunday night on a new contract, eight days before the team’s self- imposed deadline.
The new deal has $ 65.6 million in new money. The $ 16.4 million average over four years is the richest contract in NFL history for a defensive player over 30. Over the next five years, he will make $ 75.1 million if he plays out the remainder of the contract.
It was the first contract extension the Steelers did this year, and it came after months of uncertainty due to the COVID- 19 pandemic. Even though the salary cap could decrease by as much as $ 23 million next season, other teams began signing their star players in July.
The Steelers followed suit Sunday though it remains to be seen how they will manage their cap going forward.
It was only 20 days ago that Heyward expressed some doubt about getting a new contract before the season began.
“It’s pretty uncertain right now,” Heyward said Aug. 17. “I don’t know what to think. I’ve seen a lot of teammates in the past sign, but at the same time I know the NFL is moving forward with its business. You see other guys getting their contracts resolved. I want to have faith, but I’m going to be ready to play either way. I’m going to make sure I’m locked in on this season.”
Heyward doesn’t have to worry any longer. He was the top priority for the
In another indication of coach Mike Tomlin wanting to rely on players familiar with his system because of the pandemic- shortened preseason, the Steelers brought back two former players — quarterback Josh Dobbs and safety Sean Davis — after they were cut by their respective teams.
The Steelers also brought in punter Dustin Colquitt as a possible replacement for Jordan Berry, but it is not certain the team will sign him after he took a physical Sunday. Colquitt, who played his entire 15- year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, is the son of former Steelers punter Craig Colquitt.
The return of Dobbs means Devlin Hodges, who started six games in 2019, will be released and placed on the practice squad. Dobbs was released Saturday by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Steelers announced the signing of 14 players to the practice squad, leaving open two spots. Hodges and running back Wendell Smallwood are expected to fill those spots.
The Steelers have been searching for depth at safety, which is why they signed veteran Curtis Riley last month to backup Minkah Fitzpatrick, who was acquired in a trade after Davis was injured. Riley was released after originally making the 53- man roster and signed to the practice squad — one of six veterans with four or more years in the league who can be placed on the practice squad.
In addition to Riley, other veterans added to the practice squad were defensive tackle Dan McCullers and running back Trey Edmunds. Rookie safety/ linebacker Antoine Brooks Jr., the only draft choice to not make the 53- man roster, also was placed on the practice squad.
Also being placed on the practice squad are cornerback Trajan Bandy, wide receivers Deon Cain and Amara Darboh, offensive tackles Anthony Coyle and Jarron Jones, linebacker Jayron Elliott, guard Derwin Gray, defensive end Henry Mondeaux, tight end Kevin Rader and punter Corliss Waitmann.