The Pittsburgh Steelers have resolved one of the NFL offseason sagas by securing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but now they face a crossroads regarding the salary of one of their stars. One of the most experienced players on the roster, Cam Heyward, stepped up and sent a clear message to the organization on the matter.
Like A-Rod, Heyward went through a lengthy process before signing his deal with the Steelers. The veteran defensive end secured a three-year, $45 million extension that guarantees his stay with the franchise through the 2026 season.
Heyward’s renewal was not immediate, as he faced weeks of uncertainty while the front office evaluated the financial impact and his physical condition following a season hampered by injuries. Some time later, true to his honest style, the Steelers’ locker room leader shared his thoughts on the salary situation of a key teammate.
Who is the player who received Heyward’s support?
Heyward spoke candidly on the Rich Eisen Show about linebacker TJ Watt’s situation, who is approaching the final year of his contract without a new deal signed. In this context, the veteran demanded that the Steelers pay Watt “what he deserves,” and advised the organization to do everything possible to retain him.
T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stretches before the start of the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Additionally, Heyward described Watt as “one of the fiercest and best players in the league” and emphasized that he doesn’t want him to leave Pittsburgh: “That’s my teammate, my running mate.” Time will tell if the pressure from one of the locker room leaders will have an effect in securing a contract extension for this key teammate.
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What salary is Watt asking for?
Watt demands to be the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL, seeking to surpass Myles Garrett’s average annual value, set at a $40 million contract. The situation is tense for the Steelers, who have already invested in other positions, such as adding wide receiver DK Metcalf and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
