Steelers Now
Defensive tackle Cam Heyward reacts to the Pittsburgh Steelers trading away three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the football world on Monday when they made a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins, and defensive tackle Cam Heyward is among those still processing the move.
As part of the deal, the Steelers sent back three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins. It’s safe to say Heyward didn’t see it coming.
“I don’t know how I feel about it. It’s bittersweet. I’ve enjoyed playing with him, and I was kind of shook by it all,” Heyward said on the latest episode of “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.” “I’m excited about the new teammates, but I’m also sad to be losing a guy that I really respect in our locker room.”
In exchange, Pittsburgh is getting three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith — two players who should have an immediate impact.
Ramsey, 30, has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL over the last decade. He is a three-time first-team All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowler. He also won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams after the 2021 season.
Smith, 29, is coming off the best season of his eight-year NFL career. In 2024, he recorded a career-high 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.
“It’s gonna be different. Guys are gonna have to step up,” Heyward said. “But man, didn’t expect to lose a teammate like that.”
The Steelers certainly got better by the trade, adding a key piece on each side of the ball. However, they did open up another hole at safety.
There are still a few options on the open market, though, with Justin Simmons and Julian Blackmon leading the group. You can’t rule out yet another trade by general manager Omar Khan, either.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Cam Heyward Shocked to See Minkah Fitzpatrick Traded: ‘Didn’t Expect to Lose a Teammate Like That’
