Steelers save the Saints from themselves with Jalen Ramsey trade

The NFL world was stunned when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins agreed to a trade for former All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey moving to the Steelers was such a notable move it overshadowed Pittsburgh giving up Minkah Fitzpatrick in return. The New Orleans Saints should have been interested in Ramsey, but they should not have made this trade.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the full details of the trade. The Dolphins gave up Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith and a 2027 seventh round pick in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth round pick. Seeing that everyone knew Ramsey wanted out, this is a good return for Miami.

If the Saints were in the position of buyer, should they have paid this price for Ramsey? No. Ramsey and Smith would have bolstered New Orleans in positions of need, but giving up a player like Fitzpatrick would have outweighed the positive in New Orleans. That's just one of the things Pittsburgh did that the Saints should be happy they didn't do.

Pittsburgh Steelers gave Jalen Ramsey a raise

Ramsey was originally slated to make slightly over $25 million. That price tag should have scared the Saints off. It would have been potentially worth sending higher draft picks to encourage Miami to take on more of the cornerback's salary.

Not only did the Steelers take on the salary, they gave him a $1.5 million pay raise. Sometimes you have to realize where you can't compete. Under no circumstances should the Saints have traded for Ramsey and given him more money. They're just getting more financial flexibility. Committing that much money to Ramsey would have gone backwards.

New Orleans Saints should still look at cornerbacks, like Asante Samuel Jr.

Ramsey is a talent you have to at least kick the tires on even if nothing comes from it. His history with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley made the potential of a trade make even more sense. The compensation, financial commitment and possibly age made it a hard sell, however.

Staley has a connection to another former Florida State Seminole cornerback the Saints could bring in. Asante Samuel Jr. has already visited the Saints this offseason. He should have an update on his health in July. There's a good chance that's all that's standing between him putting on a Saints uniform.

Samuel doesn't come with nearly the amount of acclaim as Ramsey, but he will command a lower salary and no trade compensation. The surrounding factors make Samuel a more suitable option for the Saints.