Like many within the rapid aftermath of the commerce of vast receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys final week, Pittsburgh Steelers crew captain Cameron Heyward was shocked by the transfer. However one factor he’s not going to do is panic over the roster scenario shifting ahead.
On the newest episode of “Not Simply Soccer with Cam Heyward” Tuesday morning, Heyward reacted to the Pickens commerce, stating he was shocked by it, however is aware of that the commerce advantages each groups. On prime of that, he borrowed an Aaron Rodgers line, telling followers to loosen up a bit whereas additionally citing the Steelers’ observe document of buying and selling receivers at simply the precise time.
“I didn’t know something about it. I feel, in my place, didn’t anticipate to know. I awoke the following morning and he had been traded. Was I shocked? Yeah. However you recognize, the sport is the sport, and I do know it advantages each groups,” Heyward mentioned of the Pickens commerce to the Cowboys, in accordance with video through the present’s YouTube web page. “We get one other third-round choose, they get a large receiver to associate with CeeDee Lamb. Would I’ve preferred to see George and DK [Metcalf] play collectively? Yeah, however hopefully there’s one thing within the works.”
With the commerce of Pickens to the Cowboys, the Steelers proceed to load up within the 2026 NFL Draft, the place many imagine they are going to be aggressive for a quarterback, particularly in a category that has the potential to be a terrific one on the place.
So, it does profit the Steelers that manner. However for the 2025 season, it does hinder them fairly a bit offensively because the receiver room was a bona fide power with DK Metcalf and Pickens in it. Now, the Steelers are taking a look at Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson as guys who could possibly be the No. 2 receiver, in the event that they don’t make a transfer and add one other reliable receiver.
“I’m not going to exit and begin making these extravagant ideas of, ‘Oh, we’re gonna commerce for this,’” Heyward mentioned. “I feel it’s a must to take a look at the gamers we do have round. You bought Calvin Austin, and I feel he’s gonna take a step ahead. I feel the ball ought to be going by Pat [Freiermuth] a bit bit extra. After which additionally, you’re in search of a man like Roman Wilson to actually take a giant step. So, it’s not like we don’t have a primary receiver nonetheless with DK.
“So, that’s gonna play an element. However we’ll see what occurs. Rather a lot’s occurred this offseason. I do know everyone made a giant stink about what the Steelers are gonna do, however there’s been plenty of turnover there.”
There’s been plenty of turnover with the Steelers. Rather a lot has modified. There are a bunch of latest faces within the constructing, and plenty of acquainted faces have left or been traded, like Pickens. There’s nonetheless lots that may occur, like Aaron Rodgers signing with the Steelers to shore up their quarterback scenario, or a commerce for a receiver, although some studies have shot that down already.
Steelers GM Omar Khan does just like the receiver room post-Pickens and believes it’s in a significantly better spot than 2024, the place the Steelers actually struggled behind Pickens as a No. 1 choice. On paper, it may be. Metcalf is a star receiver and a real No. 1, Woods is an skilled veteran with reliable manufacturing all through his profession, whereas Austin took a step ahead final season and Wilson reportedly appears to be like like a unique participant this offseason.
However till they hit the sphere, it’s unknown, and there’s plenty of hope being banked on these guys all reaching their potential.
For Heyward although, the message is straightforward to Steeler Nation: relax.
“I’m positive guys have talked about it, however I feel the principle factor is, and this can be a PSA for all Steeler followers: don’t panic, keep affected person, we’ll get to work,” Heyward mentioned. “I feel generally we are able to leap off the ship and assume the ship is sinking. We received work to do. And, you recognize, whoever received the offseason isn’t gonna win the common season, just isn’t gonna win the Tremendous Bowl.
“So, I’m locked in on that, locked in on having a great 12 months, and I hope my teammates are, too.”
That’s the one actual method to take. Gamers may be shocked by the commerce of Pickens. Some may additionally have been so fed up that they needed the crew to maneuver on from him, even when it created a gap. However no matter how they may really feel, the Steelers need to get to work and put together for the 2025 season.
Perhaps the Pickens commerce was addition by subtraction because the headache and distraction is out the door, permitting the Steelers to deal with the duty at hand and take a step ahead as an offense.
Solely time will inform.
Try the total episode of “Not Simply Soccer with Cam Heyward” beneath.
