Cam Heyward Says Steelers 'Could Be a Better Team' After George Pickens-Cowboys Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers sent one of their top receiver options to the Dallas Cowboys last week, and defensive lineman Cam Heyward trusts that the move could work out well.

After George Pickens was traded to the Cowboys, Heyward said the Steelers have a strong history of making the right move when it comes to receivers.

“I think we’ve got to look at the track record of trading wide receivers,” Heyward said on the Not Just Football Pod (h/t Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams). “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.

“You had [Antonio Brown]; you had Diontae Johnson; you had Hines Ward; I think you had JuJu [Smith-Schuster] for another year. 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.”

As Heyward mentioned, the Steelers have done well in deciding when it's time to move on from a receiver.

Antonio Brown had six consecutive seasons with 1,000 or more yards, but never eclipsed the 600-yard mark after being traded from the Steelers. Chase Claypool has struggled to find his place in the league since Pittsburgh moved on from him in 2022. Diontae Johnson, whom the Steelers traded before last season, played for three different teams in 2024 and had just 375 yards and three touchdowns.

Not every former Steelers wide receiver has gone on to struggle with his new team, but for the most part, when Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh move on from a receiver, it's usually for a good reason.

Pickens will look to be the exception to the rule this year.

The move to trade Pickens is a bit surprising considering he'll play the 2024 season on an affordable $3.656 million salary, but the Steelers ultimately wanted to get something in return before he is eligible for free agency next year.

Now, Pickens has the chance to make Pittsburgh regret its decision. The fourth-year player has had a strong start to his career but is still searching for his breakout season.

It might be difficult to have that breakout season while playing alongside CeeDee Lamb, but if he shows potential, it could lead to a big second contract either with the Cowboys or another squad.