Steelers' Cam Heyward Is Very Direct With Surprising Thoughts On George Pickens Trade To Cowboys

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently made headlines with a major roster move, finalizing a significant trade that sent wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. This deal largely impacted both franchises, as they were able to address different needs. In the trade, the Cowboys received Pickens, along with a 2027 sixth-round draft pick, adding a dynamic, though sometimes controversial, player to their receiving corps. In exchange, the Steelers secured a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection, giving them additional draft capital that could be used to build for the future or potentially trade for other key players.

Although there had been rumors and discussions about a possible Pickens trade leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, the fact that no deal was made prior to the event led many to believe it wouldn’t happen at all. That’s why the trade came as a surprise to many when it was ultimately finalized. 

One person caught off guard was veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward. On a recent episode of his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, he opened up about his reaction to the unexpected move and shared his thoughts on the impact it could have on the team.

"Was I surprised, yeah, but you know the game is the game and you know, I know it benefits both teams," Heyward said.

It’s been widely recognized that the Cowboys were actively searching for another reliable wide receiver to complement their star player, CeeDee Lamb. The lack of depth at the position had been a concern previously, especially when defenses focused their attention on Lamb. By acquiring Pickens from the Steelers, the Cowboys addressed that need in a big way. 

Pickens provides Dallas with a physical, talented wide receiver who has the potential to thrive as a strong wide receiver two (WR2). His presence on the field will not only help take pressure off Lamb, but also give quarterback Dak Prescott another dynamic option in the passing game, ultimately strengthening the Cowboys’ overall offensive attack.

The Steelers, on the other hand, secured valuable draft capital in exchange for Pickens, setting themselves up well for future roster building. Although the 2025 NFL Draft has officially wrapped up, Pittsburgh is already shifting its focus to the 2026 NFL Draft, an especially meaningful one as it will be held right in their own backyard. The Steelers have been strategically accumulating draft picks through previous trades and may also benefit from potential compensatory selections. 

It has appeared over the past few seasons that the Steelers have been searching for a reliable second wide receiver to complement Pickens, their 2022 second-round draft pick. Many fans believed that need was finally met when the team acquired veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf, known for his combination of speed, power, and big-play ability. However, with Pickens now traded to the Cowboys, Metcalf steps into the role of the clear-cut wide receiver one (WR1) in Pittsburgh. This development has sparked new questions about who will step up as his counterpart and how the receiving corps will shape up moving forward.

Steelers Still Don't Have A Clear Starting Quarterback

Throughout the 2025 offseason, the Steelers have made multiple strategic moves to address various needs across their roster. These changes have come through a combination of free agency acquisitions and picks made during the 2025 NFL Draft, where the team added talent at multiple key positions to strengthen both sides of the ball. However, despite all of these additions and changes, one of the most critical questions still remains unanswered, who will be the team’s starting quarterback? 

As of now, there is no definitive leader named to guide this new offense, creating uncertainty about how effectively these new players will be able to mesh and perform. The quarterback position remains a significant focal point, and the lack of clarity only heightens anticipation as the team moves closer to the start of offseason programs and training camp.

What do you think of Heyward's remarks on Pickens? Comment below!

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