Steelers Trade Rumor: Jalen Ramsey to the Cowboys?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly considering a trade that would send All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey to the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth-round pick. This potential move has stirred up quite the conversation among NFL fans.
Ramsey's connection to the Cowboys isn't new. Since entering the league, there's been chatter about him landing in Dallas.
Back in the 2016 draft, the Cowboys opted for Ezekiel Elliott over Ramsey, but the interest has lingered. Last spring, there were whispers about a possible trade when the Dolphins were contemplating moving Ramsey, though it was later dismissed by Cowboys insider Ed Werder.
Fast forward to today, and the Cowboys find themselves with a need in the defensive backfield. With Trevon Diggs released at the season's end and DaRon Bland as the only returning certainty, Ramsey could fill a significant gap.
However, bringing Ramsey on board isn't without its risks. At 31, he transitioned to safety during the latter part of the season in Pittsburgh.
While his experience and leadership are invaluable, his age and hefty salary-$21.9 million annually-might make teams wary. Yet, given these factors, a Day 3 pick could potentially seal the deal for Dallas.
Last offseason, the Steelers acquired Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith in a major trade with the Miami Dolphins. The move didn't quite pan out as hoped.
Ramsey started as a slot cornerback and was shifted around before finding a spot at free safety. While this helped stabilize the Steelers' defense, it didn't unleash Ramsey's full playmaking potential.
Despite this, he still earned a Pro Bowl nod, although he finished the season with just one interception.
Financially, Ramsey's contract is a talking point. His salary ranks him as the second-highest-paid safety in the league, a figure that seems steep given his current production.
Releasing him would result in a $14.6 million dead cap hit, but the Steelers aren't strapped for cap space. The decision to part ways would likely center on reassessing the value they're getting for their investment in the safety position.
This was a consideration when they traded Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami for Ramsey in the first place.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh to see if they make this strategic move. It could be a pivotal moment for both the Steelers and the Cowboys, reshaping their defensive strategies for the upcoming season.