Contract talks between both sides had been productive this summer, and the expectation was that things would heat up approaching camp, which opens July 26. Heyward was scheduled to play on a $7 million option that voids with a long-term deal.
After 53 tackles and 7.5 sacks last season, Heyward is considered a leader of a retooled defense that lost several aging veterans from a year ago. He is the first Steelers end to tie or lead the team in sacks since Aaron Smith in 2004.
Pittsburgh won the AFC North title last season in spite of a defense that slipped to 18th in yards allowed and 27th against the pass thanks in part to a pass rush that struggled to generate consistent pressure.
Changes came quickly in the offseason. Hall of Fame defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau left and was replaced by linebackers coach Keith Butler. Longtime defensive end Brett Keisel, who served as Heyward's mentor, was released while safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Ike Taylor retired.
Heyward's future never really was in doubt. The Steelers exercised their fifth-year option on his rookie deal last spring, and nailing him down long-term became a priority once quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger agreed to a contract extension in March.