Steelers' Cam Heyward Admits He May Be Responsible For Keeping DK Metcalf Away From The Los Angeles Chargers

Many Pittsburgh Steelers fans are frustrated and upset that the team hasn't done much in free agency so far this offseason. However, the team did make a massive trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf. The trade also signals the largest contract the Steelers have ever offered a player. It also filled one of the team's biggest needs after a rough 2024 season with no reliable partner for George Pickens. Now word is out that one of the team's most beloved players could have had a hand in bringing Metcalf to the Steel City. 

Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward has been known to help the team recruit players in the past. He reportedly made calls to Russell Wilson in an effort to help get him in black and gold. Always brutally honest, Heyward recently made headlines over his frustration with the potential Aaron Rodgers signing. Heyward said his only sales pitch is "We're the Pittsburgh Steelers, come or don't." He believes the storied history of the franchise should be enough to lure the type of players the team wants. 

He is once again dropping bombs on his podcast, Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, and this time it's about Metcalf. His co-host, Hayden Walsh, asked him how quickly he reaches out to a player like Metcalf when he joins the team, and Heyward said he was forced to reach out before that to prevent Metcalf from going to the Los Angeles Chargers. 

"It's funny, I shouldn't be breaking this," admitted Heyward. "But I was in California at the time, and I heard DK was in town, and then someone was like, 'Oh, he's going to the Chargers.' So I hit up one of my friends, Tracy Perlman, she was like, 'Yeah, I hear he might be going.' And I was like, 'Text DK, tell him to come with us.' And then, like next week, he was already with us. I don't know how that happened. DK was all about it."

Walsh was shocked. He clarified that Heyward heard rumors prior to the signing that Metcalf was going to California instead, and he called in a favor to get him to Pittsburgh? Heyward confirmed, saying his friend Tracy Perlman, "has all the numbers," and he asked her to reach out to Metcalf, letting him know they really wanted him. However, he quickly followed that up by saying he was sure the deal was already done and that he didn't think he had any power or influence in the situation. 

In some of his first interviews, Metcalf was asked who had reached out to him, and Heyward was one of the first people he named. He also said his former Seattle Seahawks teammate, Wilson, spoke highly of Pittsburgh and told Metcalf he thought he would love it here. 

Steelers' George Pickens Is In Charge Of His Destiny

Pickens has made headlines for his escalating antics over the past few years. This has fans worried that he will not be able to play nicely with another elite receiver like Metcalf. 

However, many insiders feel that this could be the best possible situation for Pickens. Having Metcalf on the roster will help take some attention off of Pickens, opening the door for more targets. Pickens alone can choose how to respond. He can be a good teammate and partner with Metcalf, or be selfish. One thing seems obvious: Pickens will want to get paid in 2026. His best route to an elite-level contract is by showing he can cooperate and play. 

Do you think Heyward calling and letting Metcalf know they wanted him in Pittsburgh had any influence? Tell us what you think below!

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