The Pittsburgh Steelers have been clear about their intentions of going for a Championship run. After adding four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers and trading for DK Metcalf, the Steelers pulled off a blockbuster trade for All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, sending All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins.
While losing Fitzpatrick is a slight blow to the secondary, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is high on Ramsey and believes he was “probably the best safety prospect in the draft.”
Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin High on Jalen Ramsey’s Defensive Abilities
Ramsey’s hefty contract ($25.1 million for 2025) made it logical for Miami to move on, freeing up resources to invest in developing younger talent and reducing immediate pressure to win, which had been a struggle for the team in recent years.
Meanwhile, the Steelers have long prided themselves on their aggressive, hard-nosed defensive identity and a culture centered on winning. Unlike the Dolphins, Pittsburgh is not in a rebuilding phase, and the team’s established locker room is well-suited for a player with Ramsey’s tenacity and leadership style.
Tomlin spoke highly of Ramsey for the first time after pulling off the trade and believes he is an excellent fit for their aggressive defensive identity.
“He’s long, he’s fast, he’s combative,” Tomlin told the Post-Gazette. “His above-the-neck game and feel for the passing game is excellent. He’s physical. People often forget that this guy was probably the best safety prospect in the draft, as well, when he came out, and that just speaks to his talent level and how immense it is.”
Even though Ramsey will turn 31 during the upcoming season and seemed to regress a bit last season, the seven-time Pro Bowler remains one of the NFL’s premier corners.
In 2024, he allowed just a 62.0% completion rate when targeted and recorded two interceptions with 11 pass breakups across 17 games. It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh deploys Ramsey within its defense, as he does have experience playing the nickel spot, even if it’s never been his primary position. Regardless, with Ramsey, Slay, and Porter, the Steelers have one of the most talented cornerback groups in the league.
Ramsey’s leadership and championship pedigree also bring intangible value to a defense that already features other proven stars like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. Though Ramsey’s arrival draws excitement, Pittsburgh must replace Fitzpatrick, who’s been a staple on the back end. Perhaps, they see DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill as the starting safety duo.
It’s still too early to declare the Steelers as AFC favorites, but adding proven talent on both sides of the ball has surely catapulted them into the contender conversation.
