The Pittsburgh Steelers may have stirred the NFL rumor mill this week by reportedly “checking in” on Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, but don’t expect the seven-time Pro Bowler to end up in black and gold.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Steelers recently reached out to the Dolphins about Ramsey’s trade availability, but the conversation didn’t appear to go far. During an appearance on ESPN Radio’s Unsportsmanlike, Schefter noted that while Pittsburgh made contact, he doesn’t believe they’re a serious contender for the veteran defensive back.
“I think Pittsburgh checked in,” Schefter said. “If I had to guess, I would say Pittsburgh would not be the likely destination.”
“I think Pittsburgh checked in,” Schefter said. “If I had to guess, I would say Pittsburgh would not be the likely destination.”
This lines up with reports from last week on The Pat McAfee Show, where Schefter stated a Ramsey trade is expected before training camp kicks off. The Dolphins are motivated to move the All-Pro, but financial hurdles and team fit are complicating the process.
Why Ramsey Doesn’t Fit in Pittsburgh
On the surface, a player like Ramsey—who has made seven Pro Bowls and has experience playing both outside and in the slot—would seem like a strong addition to a Steelers defense known for prioritizing physicality and experience. But the fit gets murky when you dive into Pittsburgh’s current roster and financial priorities.
Evaluating the Impact of Jalen Ramsey on the Steelers’ Defense
Joey Porter Jr. is entering his third year and is expected to take a leap forward as a foundational piece at outside corner. Alongside him, the Steelers brought in veteran Darius Slay on a one-year deal to help stabilize the secondary. Ramsey has played both slot and boundary roles, but Pittsburgh has rarely invested big money in the nickel position, which is where he’d most likely contribute in 2025.
Internally, the team appears content to give Beanie Bishop Jr. a serious shot at the starting slot job, with Cory Trice Jr., rookie Donte Kent, and James Pierre rounding out the depth.
Even if the Steelers had interest in Ramsey the player, the numbers tell a different story. He’s owed a fully guaranteed $21.1 million in 2025, with an additional $66.7 million in non-guaranteed salary from 2026 through 2027. That hefty price tag comes at a time when Pittsburgh is actively working on a major extension with franchise cornerstone T.J. Watt.
Longtime Steelers beat writer Gerry Dulac also dismissed the likelihood of a deal, noting that adding Ramsey’s contract would be out of character for a team already navigating tight cap waters.
Production Not Matching the Price?
While Ramsey’s name still carries significant weight, his production has dipped slightly in recent years. In 2024, he allowed 46 receptions on 65 targets (a career-worst 70.8% completion rate), totaling 546 yards and two touchdowns while recording just two interceptions and five pass breakups across 1,027 snaps. He earned a respectable 76.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, but it wasn’t enough to justify the $21M salary in the eyes of Miami—or Pittsburgh.
Los Angeles Return More Likely?
Schefter mentioned that two teams to watch closely are the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. Ramsey played for the Rams from 2019 to 2022, earning multiple All-Pro honors and winning Super Bowl LVI. A return to LA could make sense both schematically and personally, especially given Ramsey’s reported preference for West Coast teams.
That would also align with a recent trend of players—like wide receiver DK Metcalf—initially rumored to demand a West Coast move before ending up elsewhere. It’s not unprecedented for preferences to shift quickly if the right trade package comes along.
Still, Rickey Hampton, a prominent Steelers insider, added fuel to the rumor fire this week by floating the idea that Pittsburgh might revisit the Ramsey trade discussion if Miami lowers its asking price or agrees to eat some salary in the deal. That speculative “what-if” has kept Steelers Twitter buzzing, but at this point, it feels more like smoke than fire.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers doing their due diligence on Ramsey is no surprise. GM Omar Khan has made it clear he’ll explore any opportunity to improve the roster, especially with playoff expectations rising in Pittsburgh. But with their current secondary structure, looming contract negotiations, and Ramsey’s price tag, a trade seems unlikely barring a major shift in circumstances.
Unless something changes dramatically, expect Jalen Ramsey to land elsewhere—likely back in Los Angeles—before the 2025 season begins.
