Cameron Heyward initially felt the Pittsburgh Steelers made a no-brainer deal with the Miami Dolphins.
Speaking on “The Rich Eisen Show” on Wednesday, the veteran defensive tackle explained how he thought the Steelers acquired Jalen Ramsey without having to part with anyone on the current roster. That was not the case, however, as Pittsburgh acquired tight end Jonnu Smith and Ramsey while trading Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami.
“The way it came out, I thought we were bringing Jalen in for just a pick, and I was like, ‘Oh yeah, hell yeah. I love this,'” Heyward said. “And then I found out it’s a trade with Minkah, and I’m like, ‘Damn, you’re taking away a guy that has really meant a lot to our group.’ So I was a little bit bummed about it.”
The recalculation was not because Heyward felt the Steelers lost the trade or acquired a lesser player, but rather because a key piece no longer would wear Black and Yellow.
Heyward is optimistic about the blockbuster trade, though. He believes Ramsey will fit in well on the defensive side.
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“You look at what Jalen brings to the table, there’s no (shortage) of talent there,” Heyward said. “Jalen is a ball-hawking (defensive back) that can play corner. He can play slot. He can play safety. His versatility makes him very, very great in our defense. Week in and week out, you look at him, and he’s taking receivers out of the equation.”
Heyward will get another look at Ramsey and Smith when the Steelers begin training camp July 24.
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