'I Was Kind Of Shook': Steelers' Cam Heyward Gives Direct Response To Minkah Fitzpatrick Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers have once again made headlines with another big move. In a surprising trade, the Steelers have sent star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The deal has quickly become a hot topic, sparking a wide range of opinions about what this means for the future of both teams.

One of the first members of the Steelers' organization to publicly react to the trade was veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward. During a recent episode of his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, he opened up about his thoughts on the unexpected move. Heyward admitted that the trade came as a surprise to him, describing his reaction as mixed. He explained that while he understands the business side of football, it’s still a very bittersweet situation, losing a talented teammate like Fitzpatrick is tough -- especially considering the friendship they shared on and off the field.

"I don't know how I feel, it's bittersweet. You know I've enjoyed playing with him and I was kind of shook by it all... I'm excited about the new teammates, but I'm also sad to be losing a guy that I really respect in the locker room," Heyward said.

The exact reasoning behind the trade has not been officially revealed, instead, several reports have suggested different reasons behind the decision -- with the most recent being that the Steelers were not actively shopping Fitzpatrick. Instead, it appears they were simply open to hearing offers and found Miami’s proposal too compelling to pass up. Despite this, the trade still comes as a shock to many, given that Fitzpatrick has been an important part of the Steelers’ defense for several years. Now, in an unexpected full-circle moment, he returns to the Dolphins, the very team the Steelers originally acquired him from back in 2019.

Heyward wasn’t the only one caught off guard by the surprising trade. According to recent reports, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has been described as “very open-minded” when it comes to available players and making big roster changes. This mindset appears to align with the Steelers recent move, as they had already been rumored as a potential destination for both Smith and Ramsey in the weeks leading up to the trade. While the move may have shocked fans and players alike, Khan’s willingness to adapt and pursue upgrades wherever possible sheds light on the front office’s bold and evolving approach to building a competitive roster.

However, the Steelers must now shift their focus to the present and begin preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season. With offseason programs currently underway, this is a crucial time for the newly acquired players to start integrating into the team and getting comfortable within the offensive and defensive schemes. Smith and Ramsey will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, build chemistry with their teammates, and learn the playbook. 

Steelers Now Have New Talent To Play With

There have been plenty of questions surrounding how exactly Smith and Ramsey will fit into the Steelers’ current roster, especially because there are already well-established players at both of their respective positions. However, this move appears to be more strategic than reactive. The arrival of seasoned veterans like Smith and Ramsey adds valuable experience and a new layer of depth to the roster. 

Their presence pushes existing players to elevate their game, creates healthy competition, and gives the coaching staff more options when designing plays. It’s not just about replacing talent, it’s about expanding it. Whether it's in two tight end schemes or defensive formations, the addition of these players strengthen the team’s ability to adapt to different situations, ultimately increasing the Steelers’ chances of success throughout the upcoming season.