It seems very unlikely that the Pittsburgh Steelers would part ways with All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt over the contract dispute, but Steelers legend James Harrison made a valid point. At the end of the day, the NFL is a business. Nothing is off limits.
"It's a business. I think that's the thing people gotta get used to, it's a business. And if they don't come to a business decision that's good for him and good for them, he may be playing in another uniform. It's not like it's unfathomable," Harrison said on Up & Adams with Kay Adams on Thursday.
There have been rumors that Watt could be dealt by the Steelers. If there's even a slight chance of that happening, Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward joked that he'll step in.
"I'm going up to Omar [Khan] and I'm telling him, 'That's not happening,'" Heyward joked. "If there is even a trade that gets up there. I don't think it helps our team to trade a guy like that."
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt during a game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 8, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The two sides are reportedly not very close to a deal . One insider reveals it's not just because of one thing, either.
There's no doubt that Watt wants to surpass Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett , who was just made the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history this offseason with a contract extension that pays him $40 million per year .
However, Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show believes there's a couple other factors, too.
"It's more than just one thing," Kaboly said on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan. "It is definitely the length of the contract. I'm not sure the specifics, but I'm assuming he does want five years. I think he wants four of those guaranteed, and I think he wants to be the highest-paid edge rusher as well."
The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, four-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler has recorded 462 tackles, 108 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, seven interceptions and 50 passes defended in his NFL career.
Heyward told WWE superstar Seth Rollins, who was filling in for Rich Eisen, that Watt deserves a big payday from the Steelers.
"Man, that's my brother," Heyward said. "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. I've had the best time being able to play with him, and I hope this year is not the last time we play together, because that dude, that's my running mate, and we create 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."
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Legend James Harrison Doesn't Rule Out T.J. Watt Trade: 'It's Not Like It's Unfathomable'
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