Overview

• Heyward’s revised 2025 pact adds roughly $3.2 million in incentives tied to the postseason, lifting his maximum earnings to about $18 million.
• The bonuses are linked to team outcomes such as making the playoffs and winning playoff games, not individual stats, which helps limit the near-term cap impact under LTBE/NLTBE rules.
• The agreement resolved uncertainty over his availability as he started against the Jets after leaving open the possibility of sitting out before the deal.
• Pittsburgh broke with club norms by reworking a contract that still has multiple years remaining and by adding incentives for a non-quarterback.
• Heyward pushed for better compensation after a 2024 First-Team All-Pro season, despite signing a reported three-year, $45 million extension last year at age 36.