The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t make a splashy signing by retaining one of their own last night, but it was a necessity to keep budding young superstar Cameron Heyward around for a while longer.

The Steelers inked Heyward to a new six-year, $59.25 million deal. The move comes after two excellent years for the young defensive end, finally getting a shot at significant playing time in the waning years of Brett Keisel’s career along the defensive line. For years, the Steelers have been searching for that stalwart along the defensive line, the next generation of player who can provide versatility and stability. Heyward has shown he is capable of bringing both to a Steelers defense that desperately needs playmakers. Heyward has arguably been the best defensive player on the roster for the last two seasons and has been rewarded as such.

The numbers seem large at first. Nearly $10 million annually for a 3-4 defensive end, at least on the surface, may make fans antsy. A more in-depth analysis of the numbers themselves suggest the Steelers may have themselves a bargain with Heyward.

The first rule of a contract is: throw out the whole figure. The guaranteed money is what needs to be looked at and analyzed. Unfortunately, in this case, the guaranteed figures have yet to be officially released so it forces one to look at the overall figure. The $59.25 million dollar figure over six years is quite a bit of money to dedicate to a “non-premium” position, right?

Not so fast.

The former Buckeye and 2011 first-round selection was tied for the lead in sacks on defense last season. An impressive feat for a 3-4 defensive end. Heyward brings versatility to the table. Heyward is not a traditional 3-4 defensive end. His specialty to this point seems to be his ability to crash the pocket. His impressive first step allows him to provide excellent interior pass rush. While stout against the run, make no mistake, Heyward was re-signed for his ability to generate pressure on a defense that has lacked the ability to do so for years.

This contract, at least on the surface, appears to be a bargain. The New Orleans Saints recently re-signed defensive end Cameron Jordan to a five-year, $55 million contract with over $33 million guaranteed and an average annual cap hit of $11 million. Jordan does bring with him better career statistics to this point, but he has also had more opportunity than Heyward has. It’s important to keep in mind the length of Heyward’s starting career and the opportunity he has had so far. Sitting behind Keisel and Evander Hood isn’t going to generate much in the stats column.

In 2012, the Arizona Cardinals handed defensive end Calais Campbell to a five-year, $55 million contract, identical to the contract the Saints handed to Cameron Jordan. It’s important to note that statistically Campbell was more productive, but again, had more opportunity and more snaps than Heyward.

Finally, the San Diego Chargers signed defensive end Corey Liuget to a five-year, $51.250 million contract this offseason. In terms of overall value, the contract is less than Heyward’s, despite Heyward being the better player.

The value that Heyward brings to the Steelers defense is immeasurable. Heyward has instituted himself as one of the defensive leaders, and is poised to continue to bring great things to a defense that needs playmakers and leaders more than ever before under coach Mike Tomlin. I feel it is safe to say that we have yet to see the best of Heyward. It should not surprise anyone to see him post double-digit sack totals under new defensive coordinator Keith Butler. If and when this happens, this contract (including the length) is going to be a bargain for the Steelers. Value, production and leadership are all there.

Connor Isted is a Beat Reporter for www.RantSports.com covering the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Follow him on Twitter @cdisted.