Steelers' Cam Heyward Makes Claim That Steelers Might Be Better Without George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers made an interesting decision to trade away superstar wide receiver George Pickens. The 24-year-old played three seasons in Pittsburgh and emerged as one of the NFL’s most physically-gifted receivers. But despite his on-field talent, the Steelers ultimately felt it was time to move on. General Manager Omar Khan said both sides agreed that a fresh start was best, and now Pickens is a member of the Dallas Cowboys. In return, Pittsburgh received valuable draft capital that could help reshape the future of the franchise.

The move shocked fans, but it wasn’t entirely out of character for the Steelers, who have a history of parting ways with wide receivers when the timing feels right. While Pickens put up strong numbers, questions lingered about his maturity and consistency. 

For a team that prides itself on toughness, accountability, and locker room chemistry, the decision likely went deeper than just stats. Now, the focus shifts to how the Steelers can replace his production and whether their remaining receivers can step up.

Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward shared his thoughts on the move during a recent episode of his Not Just Football podcast. He said the Steelers always seem to know when it is time to move on from a wide receiver and hinted that the team could actually be better without Pickens. 

"I think we’ve got to look at the track record of trading wide receivers," Heyward said. "There’s been some good history behind this and when to do it, what to expect. I was looking at a stat. There’s only been like three or four receivers that made it past the rookie contracts with the Steelers. It’s crazy."

While he acknowledged Pickens' raw ability, Heyward emphasized the importance of a unified team mindset. 

His comments reflect a belief within the organization that success comes from more than just star power, and that the team may benefit from a more focused and cohesive group moving forward.

"You had AB; you had Diontae Johnson; you had Hines Ward; I think you had JuJu [Smith-Schuster] for another year," Heyward said. "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."

The Steelers made this move with Pickens primarily because he was entering the final year of his rookie deal. After the 2025 season, Pickens would have become a free agent, and it seemed clear that Pittsburgh had no interest in committing a large sum of money to a player so mercurial in his development. 

Recognizing that, they opted to trade him now and secure valuable draft capital rather than risk losing him without receiving anything in return. The decision was a reflection of the Steelers' long-term vision and commitment to maintaining a balanced roster.

Steelers' Wide Receiver Room Now Called Into Question

Moving forward without Pickens, the Steelers made a bold move in the offseason by acquiring star wide receiver DK Metcalf via trade. Then, they committed $30 million a year to Metcalf, solidifying him as their clear-cut number-one receiver and bona fide star. However, after Metcalf, the depth of the wide receiver room is once again a question mark. 

Throughout the 2024 season, and heading into 2025, the team's wide receiver depth has been scrutinized, and many are wondering if Pittsburgh has enough reliable weapons around their new star to compete.

The pressure now falls on Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson to step up and make significant impacts in 2025. Austin had a strong 2024, catching 36 passes for 548 yards, averaging 15.2 yards per catch, and scoring four touchdowns. His performance was a bright spot, and Steelers fans are eager to see his continued growth in 2025. 

On the other hand, Wilson faced a tough season plagued by injuries, leaving him behind in his development. The Steelers are betting big on Wilson in his second year, hoping he can finally fulfill his potential and become a key contributor in the passing game.

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