PITTSBURGH -- Youth, ceiling and a growing 3-4 defensive end market will contribute to what should be a hefty price tag for Stephon Tuitt if the Pittsburgh Steelers extend his contract before the season begins.

The Steelers showed their appreciation for a versatile 3-4 end when they re-signed Cam Heyward to a six-year, $59 million extension in the summer of 2015. The salary cap that year was $143 million -- it's $167 million today.

That's why several prominent agents who have negotiated big deals for 3-4 ends in recent years forecast Tuitt landing in the range of $10 million to $12 million per year.

"He's a great pass-rusher and he's just going to continue to grow and get better," said Cam Heyward of fellow Steelers defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt. Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers -- who don't negotiate during the season -- can become the only NFL team with two defensive ends playing on $50-plus million contracts. They have no problem paying good linemen. Ask guard David DeCastro and center Maurkice Pouncey, who are playing on deals worth a combined $102 million if played in their entirety.

Tuitt, a 2018 free agent who says his confidence is at "50/50" on whether something gets done, likes the sound of that scenario.

"I like things that have never been done," Tuitt said. "That would be great to be a part of something like that. For the Steelers to put us in that situation, it's up to the organization but that would be a blessing. Otherwise, I can't really say much about that."

To be sure, Tuitt was asked about the $50 million and has stayed low-key about his deal, opting publicly to focus on what's happening on the field.

That's where Tuitt fits the Steelers' style: A versatile end who plays inside or out, base or nickel, teaming with Heyward as interchangeable parts.

Tuitt wants more sacks and admits he missed a few last year (11.5 sacks over three seasons and 32 career starts), but he gets consistent pressure and is widely viewed as an ascending player. His biggest strength might be chasing down running backs laterally or downfield.

Three-four ends Heyward, the Los Angeles Chargers' Corey Liuget and the Green Bay Packers' Mike Daniels -- despite no Pro Bowls among them -- all got more than $10 million per season on deals negotiated two years ago.

The value of a Steelers 3-4 end lies in the ability to "not only help other guys make plays but be a disruptive force yourself," Heyward said. Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler wants the defensive front to get a majority of the pressure, forcing Tuitt and Heyward to occupy double-teams.

Tuitt calls that process giving an offensive lineman "a long day."

"[Tuitt] is deserving of whatever they give him," Heyward said. "He is still growing. He’s not a complete player yet. His ceiling is so high. He’s a great pass-rusher and he’s just going to continue to grow and get better.”

Heyward remembers thinking former Steelers ends Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel were underappreciated for their performances, in part because the position itself wasn't glamorous. Heyward and Tuitt both agree it has evolved. The dominant play of the Texans' J.J. Watt has helped matters.

"I really do think it's a new era for defensive linemen," Tuitt said. "That's how I like to play, that's how I like to be. Once I finish those sacks, the world will be able to see my talents and what I have to bring to the table."

Tuitt has braced for all options, including preparing for a new team in 2018 if it comes to that.

But the style of play won't change, Tuitt said -- even if the money does.

"I'm going out to play my best football as if nothing's coming my way," Tuitt said.