Steelers Veterans Privately Seeking Contract Extensions, Per Report
Steel Curtain Cracks: Heyward, Boswell Seek New Deals Amid Pittsburgh Spending Spree
The Pittsburgh Steelers' active offseason isn't slowing down. With a flurry of major contracts handed out this year, now veteran stars Cameron Heyward and Chris Boswell are reportedly seeking new deals.
Heyward Holds Out
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reports that Heyward has been quietly campaigning for an extension. The four-time All-Pro hasn't practiced yet this summer, focusing instead on private negotiations with the organization. He's set to earn $14.75 million this season, with $13.45 million already earned as a roster bonus in March. By 2026, his current contract year, Heyward would make $14.5 million.
But Heyward's value seems to be outpacing his current deal. The market for defensive tackles has exploded in recent years; the top four contracts were signed ahead of last season, and the top 12 have been restructured in the past two years. Currently, Heyward's contract ranks 36th among all defensive linemen and 18th among defensive tackles.
At 36 years old, Heyward continues to dominate. He earned his most recent All-Pro nod last season, his 14th year with the Steelers. He's the first defensive lineman over 35 to earn All-Pro status since Bruce Smith in 1998.
Boswell Seeks Parity With AFC North Counterparts
Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh's kicker for the past decade, is also seeking a new deal. Despite being named First Team All-Pro last season, he's currently the lowest-paid kicker in the AFC North behind the Bengals' Evan McPherson, the Browns' Dustin Hopkins, and the Ravens' Justin Tucker.
Back in 2022, Boswell signed his current four-year, $20 million contract ($5 million APY), making him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL at the time, surpassing Tucker. Now going into 2025, he sits as the 10th highest-paid kicker.
A Trend of Big Spending in Pittsburgh?
The Steelers have made a habit of handing out big contracts this offseason. Receiver DK Metcalf signed for four years, $132 million; quarterback Aaron Rodgers inked a $13 million deal for this year; and edge rusher T.J. Watt became the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history with his three-year, $123 million extension. Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith were also acquired in a trade, and their contracts were restructured.
Heyward and Boswell could be the next Steelers captains to earn a pay raise before this landmark offseason is over.