They’ve been good for many, many years,” said one NFC executive of the Steelers. “At some point, you gotta take a swing. You owe it to the fans.”

Enter the Steelers conundrum at safety. Pittsburgh lost a three-time first-team All-Pro safety in Fitzpatrick, but have three starting cornerbacks in Ramsey, Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. The Steelers also signed Juan Thornhill at safety this offseason, but have a major void to fill with the loss of Fitzpatrick.

The Dallas Cowboys acquired George Pickens in an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the star wide receiver is taking a shot at his former team.