In the wake of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ trade that sent George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, veteran defensive lineman and team captain Cam Heyward has urged fans to remain calm. On his podcast “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward,” he reflected on Pittsburgh’s wide receiver history to justify the move and encourage long-term thinking.
Cam Heyward Stands by Steelers’ WR Strategy Amid George Pickens Trade Fallout
Heyward emphasized the franchise’s strategic handling of wideouts over the years, noting, “I think you’ve gotta look at the track record of trading wide receivers. There’s been some good history behind this, and when to do it, what to expect.”
Heyward pointed out that only a few receivers — Antonio Brown, Diontae Johnson, Hines Ward, and JuJu Smith-Schuster — have earned second contracts in Pittsburgh.
“For the most part, they know when to re-sign and when to trade, and we’ll see what happens. We could be a better team because of it.”
Even among those who stayed, Heyward highlighted that the peak of their careers happened in Pittsburgh. Brown, Johnson, and Smith-Schuster, for instance, never recorded another 1,000-yard season after leaving. Meanwhile, Ward, a franchise icon, remained with the Steelers his entire career.
Heyward and podcast co-host Hayden Walsh reminded listeners that the offseason isn’t over, and talent development can come from within.
“Go take a vacation. We’ve got time,” Heyward said. He added, “Why don’t you make your own product? … I think sometimes you’re just looking for a quick and easy fix and that’s not always the answer.”
Calvin Austin III, who posted 548 receiving yards and four touchdowns last season, and veteran Robert Woods (signed this offseason), were mentioned as in-house solutions. But the quarterback situation, with Aaron Rodgers still unsigned and Mason Rudolph currently projected to start, remains the more pressing concern.
Since 2007, only three of the 16 Steelers-drafted wide receivers eligible for extensions received second contracts. Several, including Pickens, were traded during rookie deals, often due to conduct concerns. Pickens joins a list of traded WRs — Johnson, Chase Claypool, Martavis Bryant, and Brown — all of whom had behavioral issues.
Pickens’ past includes fights, suspensions, and on-field outbursts. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin initially downplayed those concerns, but a pattern emerged. His recent antics, including sideline tantrums and on-field altercations, ultimately forced Pittsburgh’s hand.
Heyward’s defense reflects the team’s broader strategy: capitalize on receiver talent before the drawbacks outweigh the benefits.
“We’re chasing a championship, and every decision we make is based on trying to win a championship not only in the future but this year,” stated general manager Omar Khan when the Steelers traded Pickens to the Cowboys.
For Pittsburgh, trading Pickens may not just be about the present; it’s about preserving the team’s long-standing culture and values.