How Do the Steelers Shape Out After Ramsey Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey last week, bringing an end to the star’s tenure with the Miami Dolphins. This high-profile move marks a significant shift in the Steelers’ defense, as they chose to part with some younger talent to add the veteran superstar.

Ramsey’s departure from the Dolphins had been brewing for months, so his eventual trade came as little surprise to those following NFL developments closely. However, the Steelers were not on the bingo card as a destination many expected when rumors of his availability first surfaced. Ultimately, the Steelers agreed to a trade that sent Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh, pending physical examinations. In return, the Dolphins will receive safety Minkah Fitzpatrick along with a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. Additionally, the Steelers will gain a 2027 seventh-round pick from Miami, completing the exchange.

Entering his tenth NFL season, Ramsey brings a wealth of experience and a decorated career to his new team. He is a three-time All-Pro, having earned first-team honors in 2017, 2020, and 2021. His consistency and excellence on the field have also been recognized with seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections, from 2017 through 2023. Moreover, Ramsey has maintained his elite status for years, consistently appearing on the NFL Top 100 Players list over the past seven seasons.

Over the course of 135 games—134 of which he started—Ramsey has demonstrated versatility and playmaking ability. His career statistics are impressive: 534 total tackles, including 432 solo stops; 108 passes defensed; 27 tackles for loss; 24 interceptions, with one returned for a touchdown; three sacks; seven forced fumbles; and two fumble recoveries. Notably, his 108 passes defensed rank third among all active players since his entry into the league in 2016, while his 24 interceptions place him fourth in the same category. At 30 years old, Ramsey is widely regarded as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL—a reputation earned since being selected fifth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 208 pounds, the three-time All-Pro adds both physicality and agility to the Steelers’ defense. Beyond his natural position as an outside cornerback, Ramsey’s skill set offers the Steelers flexibility. In 2024, he played 728 snaps positioned outside and an additional 185 snaps in the slot for the Dolphins, demonstrating his adaptability. His combination of size, speed, outstanding ball skills, and tackling prowess also provides the potential for a future role at free safety, should the Steelers choose to experiment with his deployment. The Steelers’ acquisition of Ramsey not only strengthens their corner depth but also opens up options. They can employ Ramsey as a dynamic slot cornerback alongside established outside defenders Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay, creating a versatile and formidable back end to their defense.

Overall, this trade represents a bold move by the Steelers to retool their defense around one of the league’s most accomplished and versatile defensive backs. Ramsey’s presence is expected to have an immediate impact, elevating Pittsburgh’s defensive performance and giving the team multiple alignment options designed to give opposing QBs nightmares.