The Pittsburgh Steelers have already made several big moves this offseason, and there’s a strong possibility they aren’t finished yet. The moves so far have drawn attention across the league and brought a lot of changes to the roster. Now, the Steelers could be setting their sights on adding one more standout player to strengthen their defense even further.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin during mandatory minicamp in 2025.
Recent rumors and reports suggest that the Steelers could have interest in Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently appeared on 93.7 The Fan, where he mentioned that although the talk around the potential move may be quieting down, the Steelers are still possibly keeping the lines of communication open and listening to inquiries regarding the star cornerback.
"I bet you, they're listening," Kaboly said.
Ramsey appears to be seeking a way out of Miami. While he remains under contract with the Dolphins, a trade for the All-Pro cornerback is still within the realm of possibility. That’s when speculation began to build around the idea of Ramsey potentially landing in Pittsburgh. The Steelers quickly became one of the frontrunners to acquire either Ramsey or fellow star cornerback Jaire Alexander. However, Alexander ultimately signed with one of Pittsburgh’s division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, adding even more interest to the situation.
Joe Glorioso
Jaire Alexander runs out of the tunnel before a home game for the Green Bay Packers.
There are a few concerns surrounding the potential acquisition of Ramsey, however. The main issue is the cost, as Ramsey is currently on a big contract, and the Steelers would likely need to absorb a portion of that deal. However, according to Kaboly, the draft capital required to acquire him would likely be minimal, and any arrangement might only involve a one-year commitment, which could make the move more manageable for Pittsburgh.
Another concern revolves around how exactly Ramsey would fit into the current roster structure. However, as Kaboly pointed out, when an opportunity comes to add top talent, you take it. Adding Ramsey would only strengthen an already improving secondary. The Steelers already brought in veteran cornerback Darius Slay on a one-year deal this offseason, providing leadership and experience to complement the team’s younger defensive backs.
Slay has also spoken publicly about his enthusiasm for taking on a mentorship role with the Steelers, expressing a genuine interest in helping mentor and develop the younger guys in the secondary. Some argue that for Ramsey, this could be an ideal situation, one where he would be surrounded by other seasoned, high-level veterans who understand what it takes to succeed in the league, as well as not having his talent be overlooked.
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Steelers' Darius Slay during 2025 Organized Team Activities.
The Steelers' organization carries a level of respect that continues to attract players across the league. A significant part of that appeal comes from Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who is admired by both current and former players. Many players around the NFL have even shared their desire to play for him, showing how strong the leadership and culture he has built throughout his time so far.
Remarkably, since taking over as head coach, Tomlin has never had a losing season, which is a streak that speaks volumes about the consistency and high level of competitiveness he creates. Beyond the coaching, the rich football tradition and deeply rooted culture of Pittsburgh itself add to the team’s desire, making it a place where players not only want to compete, but also feel a sense of pride in, representing the city.
Steelers Remain Competitive While Planning For The Future
Technically, the Steelers have been in a rebuilding phase since the retirement of franchise legend, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Most of the time, transitioning from a franchise quarterback like Roethlisberger can take years, as teams often struggle to identify and develop a new leader while also focusing on strengthening other key positions.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger smiles during a practice.
Now, they have a veteran and future Hall of Famer leading the offense on a one-year deal in Aaron Rodgers, giving them immediate stability at the quarterback position. Surrounding him is a very talented group of offensive weapons, positioning the team to remain competitive even as they continue to build for the future.
The Steelers continue to keep their eyes on the future by accumulating upcoming draft capital while also making the most of the veteran leadership already present on the roster. This approach creates an attractive situation for a player like Ramsey. While the situation seems promising, whether or not Ramsey ultimately ends up in Pittsburgh remains to be known, as only time will tell how it all plays out.
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