The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant trade on Monday, acquiring All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick from the Miami Dolphins. The Steelers sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick along with a 2027 fifth-round pick to Miami in return, stirring widespread discussion about the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade impact on the team’s defense.
Just six days after finalizing the deal, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided insight into the reasoning behind bringing Ramsey to Pittsburgh, highlighting the versatility and exceptional skill set Ramsey offers the defense. Tomlin emphasized Ramsey’s physical traits and football intelligence as key factors in the decision to replace Fitzpatrick with him.
Mike Tomlin Explains Jalen Ramsey’s Role in the Steelers Defense
Tomlin described Ramsey as an athlete with impressive length, speed, and physicality, who also possesses strong instincts in coverage. According to Tomlin, Ramsey’s ability to excel “above the neck” and his understanding of the passing game make him a formidable addition. Highlighting Ramsey’s background, Tomlin pointed out that Ramsey was highly regarded as a safety prospect during his draft, which speaks to his adaptability and talent level.
“He’s long, he’s fast, he’s combative,” Tomlin said of Ramsey via Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh 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.”
Ramsey initially signed a three-year, $72.1 million extension with Miami in September, but both sides agreed to part ways during the offseason. Financially, the Dolphins are covering $3 million of Ramsey’s salary in addition to the $4 million paid earlier this year, while the Steelers will assume the remaining $26.6 million owed for Ramsey’s 2025 contract.
Insights from Terron Armstead on Ramsey’s Transition to Safety
Terron Armstead, a former teammate of Ramsey at Miami, shared his perspective on the Nightcap show regarding why Ramsey could flourish in Pittsburgh, especially in a safety role. Armstead highlighted Ramsey’s athleticism, intelligence, and competitive drive as reasons why the Steelers’ defense stands to benefit greatly from the trade.
“I believe, with the Steelers’ cornerback situation,” Armstead said. “Because they just signed Darius Slay, they got Joey Porter Jr. on the other side, I believe they see Jalen Ramsey, who’s an incredible corner, but even more so, he’s an incredible athlete and he’s smart. He’s instinctive. His pursuit is crazy. His ball skill is crazy. I think he’s going to safety.”
Ramsey’s career statistics underscore his impact on the field. Over nine NFL seasons, he has accumulated 534 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 108 passes defended, 24 interceptions, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His accolades include six Pro Bowl selections and three First-team All-Pro honors, plus a crucial role in the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl victory in 2022.
What the Trade Means for the Steelers’ Defense Going Forward
This trade signals a strategic shift for the Steelers, as they replace Minkah Fitzpatrick’s presence in the secondary with a versatile player capable of covering multiple roles. With Ramsey’s ability to function as both cornerback and safety, Pittsburgh’s defense gains flexibility and enhanced physicality. The addition of Jonnu Smith further strengthens the roster on offense.
As the season progresses, the Steelers’ defense will be closely watched to see how Ramsey adapts to his new position and how the team balances its secondary with other key players like Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. This move not only addresses immediate roster needs but also suggests a long-term plan to build a dynamic and tough defense capable of competing deep into the playoffs.