Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward recently expressed mixed emotions following the blockbuster trade that brought cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh while sending defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick to another team. Heyward described the situation as bittersweet, acknowledging both the excitement of gaining a top-tier DB and the sadness of losing a respected teammate. His reaction captures the complexity of such a high-profile NFL roster move, especially given Fitzpatrick’s significant role on the Steelers’ defense.
Heyward’s Take on Team Dynamics Post-Trade
Heyward recalled the initial news of acquiring Ramsey with anticipation.
“The way we heard about it first, it was we traded for Jalen Ramsey — and we’re like, ‘alright, that’s cool,’”
he said. Heyward admired the defensive backfield’s potential, highlighting key players like DeShon Elliott, Joey Porter Jr., and Darius Slay alongside Ramsey. Yet, the excitement was tempered by the reality of Fitzpatrick’s departure.
“Then, I got the gut check of losing a really good teammate in Minkah Fitzpatrick, and I’m like, ‘Dang, I don’t know how to feel about this.’ It’s bittersweet. I’ve enjoyed playing with him, and I was kind of just 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.
Broader Perspective on Defensive Changes in the NFL
The Steelers are not the only team experiencing transitions in their defensive backfields. For example, Saints defensive back Justin Reid recently commented on rookie Jaden Hicks’ readiness to take on a more prominent role following personnel changes in Kansas City. Reid emphasized Hicks’ athleticism, work ethic, and willingness to learn as indicators that he can successfully fill the gap left behind.
“Absolutely,” Reid said.
“This is the same thing I’ve told him and the same thing I tell every DB — because when I first signed with Kansas City, everyone said, ‘Well, you’re going to be the next Tyrann Mathieu.’ And I said, ‘I don’t have a chance at being the next Tyrann Mathieu. I can be the best Justin Reid I can be.’ And that’s the same thing for Jaden. Jaden can’t be me, but he can damn sure be the best Jaden Hicks he can possibly be and that player is damn good. You know what I mean? So he can step into those shoes. He can fill, he can tackle, he’s athletic, he’s willing to learn, he listens, and he plays hard so he has all the tools to be successful.”
—Justin Reid, Saints Defensive Back
Jaguars Wide Receiver Brian Thomas’ Growing Leadership Role
In a similar vein of emerging talent and leadership, Jaguars wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett has praised second-year receiver Brian Thomas, who is setting an example as he helps acclimate rookie Travis Hunter. Bennett noted Thomas’ work ethic and leadership capabilities as crucial to fostering a competitive and supportive environment in the wide receiver room.
Bennett shared,
“I’m steady watching it and just getting more and more excited about who he is, what he’s about. I was surprised, because when I first got here, people were telling me, as far as, you know, the way he carries himself, his demeanor, very quiet and confident. But on game day, he’s different. He’s different, and I love that about him. Saw that instantly.”
—Edgar Bennett, Jaguars Wide Receivers Coach
He added,
“He’s definitely not resting. He doesn’t have that… that’s not in him. He always seems like, when talking with him, he has that approach as far as he wants to be the best. And so with that, he put the work in and so that’s his approach. He puts the work in, the effort is there each and every day and it starts in the classroom. The moment he walks through the door, it’s almost as though he’s already in that mode as far as the classroom, walkthrough, practice field, weight room, whatever, he’s giving it his all. He’s definitely taken more of a leadership approach and role, and he speaks up. And it’s not just from a verbal standpoint, he also leads by example. And so that’s another way he’s helping the entire room.”
—Edgar Bennett, Jaguars Wide Receivers Coach
Implications of the Trade for the Steelers’ Defense and Future
The acquisition of Jalen Ramsey presents an opportunity for the Steelers to strengthen one of the league’s most critical defensive areas. Heyward’s reaction underscores how impactful Fitzpatrick’s departure will be, given his influence both on the field and in the locker room. Balancing the loss of such a veteran presence with the arrival of a dynamic talent like Ramsey will be a defining challenge for the team.
For the Steelers, integrating Ramsey’s skills into their defensive schemes could elevate their secondary’s performance, but the team must also address the leadership vacuum left behind by Fitzpatrick. Heyward’s candid reflection offers fans a window into the emotional and strategic adjustments occurring within the organization as it navigates these major changes in pursuit of continued success.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Jalen Ramsey believe in God?
A. He emphasizes that those personally familiar with him, not just from television or social media, understand he doesn’t say he’s self-made. “It’s never me,” he explains. “It’s entirely God. God places me in the right situations, with good people, and blesses me with a strong work ethic. It’s wholly God’s doing.”
Q. What is Jalen Ramsey’s face mask called?
A. After joining the Dolphins, Jalen switched to using the F7 helmet. His facemask style also changed to match the F7 design. Each part of the facemask is placed uniquely, making it completely custom.