Cam Heyward makes strong statement on T.J. Watt's contract, possible trade of Steelers star

Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is going to bat for his teammate, fellow star and edge rusher T.J. Watt.

Watt and the Steelers have been embroiled in contract negotiations this offseason, and by all accounts, it doesn't appear the two sides are close.

That has led some to believe the Steelers could ultimately trade Watt if neither side budges and he continues to hold out.

When asked about the situation on Wednesday, Heyward made it very clear he wants Watt to get paid and remain a Steeler for life.

"That's my brother," Heyward said on The Rich Eisen Show. "I want that dude to get paid what he deserves. That dude is one of the most fierce and best players in our league. He's respected throughout the league."

"I just want to see that guy continue to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and be a one-helmet guy," Heyward added.

When the subject of a possible trade came up, Heyward joked that he would go right to general manager Omar Khan and tell him it can't happen before noting that he doesn't have that kind of power.

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

The Steelers have made a lot of big moves this offseason, but dealing Watt would be the biggest, and one of the most notable in franchise history, also.

Rest assured, as Heyward made very clear, trading Watt would not be popular among Pittsburgh's players.