For a moment, the idea felt real—Jalen Ramsey in black and gold, patrolling the secondary with Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay. It was a tantalizing thought for Steelers fans, one that sparked hope of building a defensive backfield as fearsome as any in the league.
But now, as the offseason drags on, those odds seem to be slipping away.
The Steelers have reportedly been one of the few teams showing real interest in acquiring the three-time All-Pro via trade. With 24 career interceptions since entering the league in 2016, Ramsey brings both elite production and a big-game mentality—exactly the kind of player you’d want in Pittsburgh.
But according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Ramsey “would like to go to the West Coast, to Los Angeles — Rams, Chargers, somewhere like that.”
That’s a long way from Acrisure Stadium.
It’s disheartening news, no doubt. Ramsey’s potential arrival in Pittsburgh had fans dreaming of a true lockdown secondary. Imagine opposing quarterbacks looking out and seeing Slay, Porter Jr., and Ramsey on the field at once.
It's a nightmare for them and sheer joy for us.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should not Jalen Ramsey's preferences distract them
But if Ramsey isn’t feeling the Steel City, so be it. We don’t need players whose hearts aren’t in it. Truthfully, this move was never make-or-break.
Yes, Ramsey would elevate the defense. He’s a former Super Bowl champ who thrives in the spotlight. His physicality and confidence would fit the Steelers' culture perfectly. But let’s not forget the pieces we already have.
The front office made a bold move in March, signing Darius Slay to a one-year, $10 million deal. Pairing the veteran with the ascending Joey Porter Jr. already gives Pittsburgh a strong corner duo.
Add in defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s savvy leadership, and this unit can still be a problem for offenses even without Ramsey.
It’s a bit of a letdown, sure. But that’s how the business goes. Players have preferences, and sometimes, Pittsburgh isn’t at the top of the list. We’ve been here before.
Like always, we’ll make do—with or without a superstar.
Let Ramsey chase the West Coast sun. Meanwhile, the Steelers will keep building, grinding, and waiting for their moment under the bright lights—Ramsey or not.
