Steelers Veteran Has Blunt Message For GM Amid T.J. Watt Trade Speculation

If the Pittsburgh Steelers were to trade star defender T.J. Watt, it’s clear one of their veteran leaders would not be enthused.

Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show” on Wednesday and weighed in on the uncertainty surrounding Watt, who’s been mentioned in trade rumors given his discontent with his contract situation. Heyward, who’s formed a dynamic duo with the four-time First Team All-Pro, even shared his message for Steelers general manager Omar Khan.

“I’m going up to Omar and I’m telling him, ‘That’s not happening,'” Heyward said. “If there’s even a trade that gets up there, I don’t think it helps our team to trade a guy like that.”

When asked if Heyward had that type of pull inside the organization, he responded: “No, I don’t. I don’t have that power. I’m just going to be like, ‘Hey guys, we have to talk.’ I don’t know if it’s even going to work, but I’m going to throw my hat in the ring and say, ‘This cannot happen.’ And I don’t think it will. But that’s just the way I feel.”

Heyward said he has talked to Watt, but that they haven’t talked much about Watt’s contract situation. The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year is set to enter the final year of his four-year, $112 million deal and is scheduled to become a free agent next offseason.

Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million deal this offseason making Watt’s $21 million base salary in 2025 look criminal.

“I want that dude to get paid what he deserves,” Heyward said. “That dude is one of the most fierce and best players in our league and he’s respected throughout the league. As a defense we circle players on offense, but offensive players have to circle No. 90 week in and week out. There’s a level of respect there.

“I’ve had the best time being able to play with him, and I hope this year is not the last time we play together because that dude, that’s my running mate. We’ve created a lot of havoc together and I just want to see that guy continue to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and be a one-helmet guy.”

The Steelers begin training camp July 24.

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