Each summer, contract drama brews in the NFL, but the Steelers seem to attract it. This spring, their biggest flashpoint is clearly TJ Watt’s pending contract extension. With his cap hit looming, reports cite Pittsburgh’s front office and Watt’s camp at odds, not over salary, but the length of the deal. As Adam Schefter explained, “I think the biggest issue right now is the length of years in the contract. Again, Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt, they want more years, the team wants to give fewer years.”

Schefter pointed out that players like Watt and Hendrickson are now in their 30s, and for them, it’s about securing as much guaranteed money as possible over a longer term. That tug-of-war—veteran stability versus team risk—is behind the current contract impasse. It’s also why trade rumors swirl around Watt. ESPN and other outlets confirm Pittsburgh is gauging the market and testing interest. Plus, they won’t trade TJ. But you could sense the frustration not just in TJ’s camp but in the Steelers’ locker room as well.

On Wednesday, Cam Heyward stopped by the Rich Eisen Show, where he discussed the drama surrounding TJ’s contract and trade rumors. Heyward made it clear that if TJ Watt’s trade ever comes up, then, “I’m going up to Omar (Khan), and I’m telling them that’s not happening,” he said, laughing. “If there’s even a tray that gets up there, I just, I don’t think it helps our team to trade a guy like that.”

Even though Heyward doesn’t have the power, the writing is on the wall. TJ’s teammates want him to stay in Pittsburgh. Entering the final year of his contract, the 30-year-old veteran linebacker is seeking a contract extension. And that, too, for months. At this point, the Steelers are leaving no stone unturned while they’re figuring out TJ’s future ahead of the 2025 season.

While the Steelers might not trade TJ at the moment. But if the situation gets worse ahead of the training camp, it could be the last option at the table. The Steelers’ insider, Mark Kaboly, added another layer to this drama. Kaboly pointed out that if a trade ever happens, Watt’s trade value would likely be a second-round pick. “They are obviously inquiring to see what that (return) might be,” he said last week on 93.7 The Fan. “If it gets to the point where it’s point of no return, maybe that second-round pick becomes very handsome.”

The edge rush market surged this offseason with stars like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett sitting at the top with massive payrolls. And considering Watt has produced elite numbers (462 tackles and 108.0 sacks) across eight seasons, it’s safe to assume that TJ Watt wants to be the highest-paid non-QB in the league. Which is precisely why Cam Heyward believes that the 7-time Pro Bowler should get what he deserves.

TJ Watt should get paid what he deserves—Cam Heyward

Cam Heyward knows a thing or two about contract holdouts. Sure, so does TJ Watt. But right now, it’s Cam watching from the other side. Last year, Heyward was entering the final year of his contract and seeking his new deal. But if history has taught us anything about the Steelers, then safe to say that they’ve a knack for delaying the contract extensions of their elite players. Heyward protested by skipping the OTAs and justifying his actions.

“I have always attended these. But at this time, it’s just contract negotiations. I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. But we’ll see what happens. You got to do what’s right for you,” he said at that time, before eventually signing a three-year, $45 million contract extension. So, when the word broke about TJ’s contract drama, the 36-year-old defensive tackle didn’t shy away. He declared it loudly: TJ Watt should get paid what he deserves.

“I think we we’ve talked, but like we don’t really talk about like contracts, but, and that’s my brother. Like I want that dude to get paid what he deserves. That dude is one of the most fierce and best players in our league, and he’s respected throughout the league,” Heyward said when asked about his thoughts on TJ’s contract talks.

Earlier this month, CBS Sports NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala reported that just like what happened last time, there’s a “disconnect” between Watt and the Steelers regarding the contract dispute. The 30-year-old similarly held out last time and eventually signed a four-year, $112 million deal in 2021. Fast forward to now, and yes, it’s happening again. If the Steelers can’t lock T.J. into a new deal, Heyward worries that last season might’ve been the last time they shared the field together, as he wants Watt to be a permanent Steeler.

“I’ve had the best time being able to play with him and, you know, I hope last, this year is not the last time we play together. Because that dude, you know, that’s my running mate and 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,” Heyward said. That said, training camp is less than a couple of weeks ahead. The way things are unfolding, TJ Watt’s next chapter might keep him a Steeler… Or send him packing for another jersey. Nothing’s certain. At least, as of now.