Cam Heyward makes it very clear TJ Watt should be next Steeler paid

Cameron Heyward is deservedly being paid like one of the best defensive linemen in the game

Heyward’s put in his hours with the Steelers, playing a pivotal role on the defensive line for a 3-4 unit that doesn’t always reward players of his ilk. Instead, statistics don’t tell the full story, and the three-time Pro Bowler has finally been recognized the past three seasons, earning All-Pro selections in 2017 and 2019 to go along with visits to Hawaii and/or Orlando. In total, Heyward will be paid $75 million over the next five seasons, taking him into his age-36 campaign.

With Heyward now on the books, the Steelers can focus their attention elsewhere. Pittsburgh’s next target is relatively obvious, even with Bud Dupree on the franchise tag. TJ Watt is turning into a revolutionary talent, and the Steelers can’t afford to let him get away.

Heyward wants the Steelers to sign Watt long-term

Watt has two more years left on his deal, and he’ll make over $10 million in the 2021 season, so he’s not struggling for cash. However, he deserves to be paid far more than that. Watt was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate for a reason. He’s coming off back-to-back years of 13 and 14.5 sacks. He forced an absurd eight fumbles last year. The dude can play, and unless the Steelers want to end up in an ugly franchise tag situation — as they are with Bud Dupree — they’ll sign Watt before his value goes up even more in 2020.

The Steelers star-studded defense is the best its been in years, as a full rebuild in Keith Butler’s system was necessary. Trading a first-round pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick early last season seemed to cover the last weakness Pittsburgh had on that side of the ball — their secondary — freeing them up to rush the passer as much as Butler would like in his blitz-heavy scheme. The results have been jarring.

Watt and Heyward are key components of that, and soon both should have shiny new contracts.