The Pittsburgh Steelers have both added and parted ways with several big players this offseason, resulting in a roster that looks very different from just a few months ago. These changes have generated excitement, speculation, and debate among fans and analysts. While many of the big moves have already been made, the question remains, if the Steelers are done changing their roster, or if more big moves could be happening soon.
One of the most highly discussed potential acquisitions this offseason is Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Speculation surrounding Ramsey has only increased in recent weeks, with fans, analysts, and insiders all weighing in on where he could land next. Recently, Senior NFL Network Insider Adam Schefter appeared on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike podcast, where he talked about different things happening around the league. During the conversation, he touched on the growing rumors involving Ramsey and addressed the likelihood of the Steelers making a move to acquire him.
"I think Pittsburgh checked in," Schefter said. "I'm not so sure that Pittsburgh's going to be the destination. In fact, if I had to guess, I would say Pittsburgh would not be the likely destination."
The speculation surrounding the Steelers potentially acquiring Ramsey began to pick up steam after reports surfaced suggesting that Ramsey was unhappy with his current situation in Miami. While no official statements were made by Ramsey or the Dolphins at the time, various insiders noted growing tension from both sides, prompting questions about whether Ramsey is seeking a fresh start elsewhere. Ramsey also recently signed a contract in Miami last offseason, and didn't produce the numbers to back up that large pay day.
The Dolphins have faced a number of injury-related setbacks, which has left Ramsey in a much different situation than he likely expected when he arrived in Miami. As a result, even though Ramsey is still under contract, a trade would allow any interested team to acquire him by taking on the remaining salary and offering the right assets in return. This possibility keeps the door open for teams like the Steelers, who, despite already adding to their secondary this offseason, may still be in the market for additional talent to strengthen the position group even more.
Many people have been wondering how Ramsey would fit into the Steelers' secondary, especially after the team added veteran cornerback Darius Slay earlier this offseason. Slay, who is coming off a recent Super Bowl win, brings not only high-level experience and talent, but also a strong leadership presence to the locker room. His impact is expected to go beyond just what he does on the field. Slay has already spoken publicly about his desire to mentor the younger players on the roster, hoping to pass down his knowledge and set a standard for future Steelers defenders.
With someone like Slay already stepping into a leadership role, questions have surfaced about how another veteran like Ramsey would fit into the dynamic. However, given Ramsey's elite talent and the need for depth and flexibility in the secondary, many believe there’s still plenty of room for him to make a major impact. Others also believe that adding talented players is beneficial for depth, in case of injuries, which happens frequently in the NFL.
Steelers Are Building For The Future
The Steelers have taken steps towards building for the future throughout this entire offseason. Rather than focusing solely on short-term success or future rebuilding, the team has worked to strike a careful balance between the two. By drafting and developing promising young talent, the Steelers are clearly laying the groundwork for long-term success.
At the same time, they’ve been bringing in experienced veterans and keeping key leaders already on the roster, players who not only contribute on the field, but also provide invaluable mentorship and guidance to the younger players. This combination of both puts the Steelers in a great position to remain competitive right now while building a team that can compete for years to come.
