Steelers pick up 5th-year option on DE Cam Heyward

Updated: April 22, 2014, 5:21 PM ET

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have picked up the 2015 option on defensive end Cam Heyward.

The decision, announced Tuesday, means Heyward will have to wait two more years before becoming a free agent. Heyward is coming off a breakout season in which he finished with a career-high five sacks while making 13 starts.

The 31st overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft is considered a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's 3-4 defense going forward. The team let Ziggy Hood walk in free agency and has not re-signed veteran Brett Keisel.

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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Steelers pick up 5th-year option on DE Cam Heyward

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