Steelers' Cam Heyward Not Giving 49ers Receivers Any Credit: "I Gotta Wait For Them To Become Teammates First"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 offseason has been full of big moves and countless speculation. Once the quarterback position got filled with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the main topic of conversation amongst fans has been potential moves at wide receiver. The most consistent name that has been brought up in these conversations has been Brandon Aiyuk. However, there are several names fans want to see in black and gold, including Deebo Samuel, DK Metcalf, and Courtland Sutton. 

Rumors about a trade for Aiyuk have gone on all offseason, and players have certainly noticed. On the most recent episode of Cam Heyward's podcast, Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, his co-host, Hayden Walsh, was asking him about elite receivers in the league. Justin Jefferson came up, and Heyward was asked if he would rather have Jefferson or Aiyuk, and then Jefferson or Samuel. Heyward said Jefferson in both instances, to which Walsh responded with a funny remark about the offseason rumors.

"Well, I'm shocked that with all the Twitter rumors of you guys trading for Deebo or Brandon Aiyuk, that you didn't just give them the nod in case they became teammates in a few weeks."

Jefferson was the right response in both cases, as he has consistently been the best receiver in the league when healthy. However, both Samuel and Aiyuk are elite in their own right. Heyward fired back by saying he will give one of them credit once they get to Pittsburgh.

"Not right now, I gotta wait for them to become teammates first."

It seems as though Heyward may be holding out hope that General Manager Omar Khan will make a splash by acquiring an elite receiver before the 2024 season kicks off. If a move is in the cards for Pittsburgh, it is likely it won't happen until after mandatory minicamp. This will be the first time the coaching staff can get a true look at where their receiving core currently stands, and decide if the unit needs help.

A move for a star wide receiver would be uncharacteristic for Pittsburgh, but it might be necessary. After moving on from Diontae Johnson, there isn't much talent in the wide receiver room for Pittsburgh behind George Pickens. As it currently stands, after Pickens, the receiver room is made up of a rookie and a bunch of players fighting to earn snaps.

Pittsburgh selected Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he should see the field a good amount early on in his career. He puts an emphasis on downfield blocking, which will fit the Steelers' offense perfectly under Arthur Smith.

Van Jefferson is the best receiving option the Steelers signed during the 2024 offseason. He was reliable during his time with the Los Angeles Rams, but he shouldn't be depended on as a second option. Other players who could contribute at receiver include Quez Watkins, Scotty Miller, Calvin Austin III, Denzel Mims, and Marquez Callaway. None of these players are guaranteed to make the roster, which makes the Steelers' need at receiver even more pressing.

Steelers' Pickens Deserves More Credit According To Heyward

After the conversation ended about Jefferson and which top receivers in the NFL he is better than, Heyward seemed stunned Pickens wasn't involved in the conversation at all. He has had an impressive start to his career, and is certainly on the right trajectory to be considered an elite receiver in the NFL.

"Hey, we need to get GP [George Pickens] up there! GP's gotta be on this list too."

By no means is Pickens on the level of Jefferson, Samuel, or Aiyuk. However, he is entering his first season as the true number one receiving option in the Steelers' offense. He is also playing his first season with a successful veteran quarterback. Pickens had to deal with the inconsistent play of Kenny Pickett, along with the offense of Matt Canada throughout his first two seasons. He is in the best situation he has seen since the start of his career, and is poised to break out.

What do you think of Heyward's remarks? Let us know in the comments below!

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