Steelers DE Cam Heyward on Watt: "We all feel like T.J. should be paid!"
NFL Network Analyst Mike Garafalo related news that the way the Pittsburgh Steelers are handling All-Pro OLB T.J. Watt was “archaic.”
NFL Network and CBS Reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala tweeted:
Just b/c a team has always DONE things one way doesn’t mean it should continue to DO them the same way.
What’s the hold-up? It all comes down to guaranteed money after year one. I spoke about this extensively in a two-part Newsletter (which I highly suggest you read below):
The first of the two-part series analyzes Watt’s perceived worth based on current market value. The raw data (box scores) don’t tell the whole story and based on my grading system, Watt deserves every penny that comes his way.
The second part details why the Steelers are unwilling to move the needle based on past traditions on guaranteed money.
One of the team captains today spoke about his All-Pro teammate, as the Steelers beat writers wanted to gain DE Cam Hewyard’s insight on the ongoing yet complicated situation.
“He’s put in the time and the work. He’s a productive player. His injury history, he’s been out here, doesn’t miss much games. He’s a game-changer. My conversations with him is, he should be paid.”
Heyward then was asked if Watt’s contract situation was a distraction:
“It’s not a distraction. This is what every person has to go through in their job. It just gets more publicized here.”
On if he was surprised that Watt wasn’t named a team captain by the players:
“I was surprised.”
Well, there you have it. Heyward has spoken and so has the rest of the team’s leaders inside that locker room. In a game where the price is what you pay, value is what you get, I can’t fault Watt for getting what he wants--fair market value.
You can catch the full transcript and audio by clicking here.
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