Steelers' Heyward: Watt should get paid 'what he deserves'

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward wants to see teammate T.J. Watt remain in the Black and Gold for the rest of his career.

"I want that dude to get paid what he deserves," Heyward said Wednesday on "The Rich Eisen Show," as the Steelers and Watt remain at odds over an extension.

"That dude is one of the most fierce and best players in our league. He's respected throughout the league."

He added: "I hope this year is not the last time we play together because that's my running mate. ... I just want to see that guy continue to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and be a one-helmet guy."

Watt is entering the final year of a four-year, $112-million contract he signed in 2021. The 30-year-old skipped mandatory minicamp in June as he seeks a new deal that could potentially rival the four-year, $160-million pact signed by Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett this offseason.

Trade buzz has also swirled around the former Defensive Player of the Year after the Steelers made a shocking deal in June, shipping defensive star Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.

However, Heyward said he would try to veto a Watt trade if general manager Omar Khan attempted to facilitate one.

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

Although Heyward admitted he doesn't have that kind of power inside the Steelers' building, he added: "I'm (going) to throw my hat in the ring and just say, 'This can not happen.'"