NFL News: Cam Heyward shares strong reaction to George Pickens’ departure from Mike Tomlin’s Steelers

George Pickens left the Pittsburgh Steelers after months of debate about his future with the team led by head coach Mike Tomlin. The 24-year-old wide receiver will continue his career in the 2025 NFL season with the Dallas Cowboys, prompting a reaction from black and gold roster leader Cam Heyward.

Since wide receiver DK Metcalf arrived in Pittsburgh, it became clear that Pickens would no longer be the team’s primary weapon. Negotiations over his future had stalled, so the black and gold franchise didn’t mind exploring a trade — in this case, with Dallas.

Pickens’ relationship with Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers had shown signs of instability, especially over the past year, with the former Pittsburgh wide receiver involved in some disciplinary issues, including controversial statements. In that context, Heyward made his reaction clear.

Heyward’s reaction to Pickens’ departure

“I didn’t know anything about it. I woke up the next morning, and he had been traded. Was I surprised? Yeah, but the game is the game. I know it benefits both teams. We get another third-round pick. They get a wide receiver to go along with CeeDee Lamb. Would I have liked to see George and DK play together? Yeah, but hopefully there’s something in the works. I don’t know. 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,” Heyward said on his Not Just Football podcast.

Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the first half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

“I think we’ve got to 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. 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,” Heyward also said.

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NFL News: George Pickens sets record straight on alleged criticism of Mike Tomlin’s Steelers after joining Dak Prescott’s Cowboys

The details of Pickens’ deal with the Cowboys

The trade was finalized in early May, with Tomlin’s Steelers sending Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. “I’m just glad to be here in Dallas and continue the winning culture that they have. I’m where I am right now. I can’t look into the past,” Pickens had said hours after joining his new team.