The winds of change are blowing through Pittsburgh, and they’re bringing more than just a new head coach. With Mike Tomlin stepping away from the sidelines, the Steelers are entering a pivotal offseason-one that could reshape not just the coaching staff, but the roster as well.
And one name that’s starting to surface in those conversations? Jalen Ramsey.
It’s been a complicated season for Ramsey in black and gold. After arriving in a preseason trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Miami in exchange for Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 sixth-rounder, the hope was that Ramsey would anchor a secondary in transition.
Pittsburgh bet on his versatility, his experience, and his ability to lead a defense. But the results didn’t quite match the expectations.
Early in the season, Ramsey struggled at corner. The quickness and lockdown ability that once made him one of the league’s premier cover men just weren’t there.
The Steelers made the adjustment midseason, shifting him to safety-where he looked more comfortable and, frankly, more effective. He settled in, made solid contributions, and brought leadership to the back end of the defense.
But even then, the production wasn’t eye-popping. One interception on the year, and questions remain about whether he’s worth the hefty price tag moving forward.
Let’s talk numbers. Ramsey is set to carry a base salary of $10 million next season, with a cap hit north of $17 million.
That’s elite money-especially for a player who’s no longer playing his original position and isn’t producing at an elite level. It’s a tough call for Pittsburgh.
They already moved on from Fitzpatrick when his impact began to decline, and now they’re staring down a similar decision with Ramsey.
There’s also the matter of trade value. Ramsey’s name still carries weight, but his age and recent performance may limit what the Steelers could get in return. It’s not just about finding a team that needs a veteran safety-it’s about finding one willing to take on that contract and give up something meaningful in return.
This offseason is shaping up to be a defining one for the Steelers. With a new coach coming in and a defense that needs retooling, every roster spot is under the microscope. Ramsey’s future in Pittsburgh is uncertain, and while the idea of trading him might not be ideal, it could be a necessary step in a broader rebuild.
One thing’s for sure: the Steelers can’t afford to stand still. Whether they find a trade partner or decide to keep Ramsey and restructure his deal, the decision will speak volumes about where this team is headed in the post-Tomlin era.