Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive tackle Cam Heyward was surprised to hear the team traded Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith on Monday.
In the latest episode of ‘Not Just Football’, Heyward broke down his initial reaction to the Ramsey trade, and lamented on losing Fitzpatrick in such a sudden move.
“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.” “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. It’s gonna be different. Guys are gonna have to step up. But man, didn’t expect to lose a teammate like that.”
Heyward is entering his age-36 season, and moves like this one are an effort to try and push the Steelers towards a ring while he is still around. Pittsburgh has not won a playoff since 2017, a long gap for a franchise that is used to postseason success.
Ramsey now enters his age-31 season, but the Steelers will likely use him as a chess piece who plays safety, slot cornerback, and outside cornerback whenever asked by the team.
That versatility will allow the Steelers to have Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, and Ramsey all on the field simultaneously in a way they could not execute beforehand.
Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick returns to the team that drafted him and will become the star safety for the Dolphins, who badly needed help in their secondary.