The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a lot of big, bold moves that have completely reshaped their roster from top to bottom this offseason. It’s clear that the front office is not holding back, and the changes may be far from over. Most recently, the Steelers made headlines with a blockbuster trade that sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. This trade quickly became highly talked about, raising questions about the reasoning behind the move and whether more big moves could still be on the horizon.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39) warms up before a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Recently, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler made a guest appearance on 93.7 The Fan, where he talked about a wide range of topics related to the Steelers. As expected, one of the topics of conversation was the team’s recent big trade. Given how unexpected the move was, many people really wanted to understand why Fitzpatrick was included in the deal.
"Well, the Steelers probably had to because of the money involved and tied to [Jalen] Ramsey," Fowler said.
Ramsey had been linked to Pittsburgh for several weeks, especially after their AFC North division rival Baltimore Ravens made headlines by signing cornerback Jaire Alexander. One of the biggest concerns surrounding the acquisition of Ramsey was the financial impact it would have on the Steelers’ cap space. Now that the trade for Ramsey is official, it's been revealed that he will actually be receiving a bit of a raise heading into the upcoming season. While this certainly adds a significant financial commitment for Pittsburgh, the situation is somewhat eased by the fact that the Dolphins are still responsible for a portion of Ramsey’s contract. This makes the deal a little more manageable for the Steelers, while still giving them another proven veteran presence in their secondary.
However, it seems that this recent move isn't the only financially motivated one the Steelers have been considering. Over the past few weeks, Pittsburgh has been linked to several free agent wide receivers as they look to fill the gap left by the departure of George Pickens. Strengthening the receiving corps depth has seemed to have been a priority for the front office, and names like Amari Cooper have frequently been discussed as possible targets.
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Former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Fowler though during his recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan, the financial commitment involved in acquiring Cooper, may be more than what the Steelers are hoping to spend. Fowler revealed that the way Cooper played last year, combined with this age, might hinder the team’s desire to pursue Cooper.
"I have heard some whispers that the money that he would normally want, might not be there for him based on how he played last year and his age," Fowler added.
Cooper is a seasoned veteran with experience playing for multiple teams throughout his NFL career. While he has dealt with injuries over the years, some of which have had lingering effects, he remains a talented and capable receiver with plenty left in the tank. Cooper is entering this upcoming season with a clear desire to prove himself and show that he can still perform at a high level. After a relatively quiet season last year with the Buffalo Bills, he’s more motivated than ever to bounce back and remind teams of the impact he can make on the field. However, this now has some financial implications.
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Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper looking to extend a play.
Steelers May Not Be Done Paying Yet
With all the major moves the Steelers have made this offseason, one of the most significant internal storylines has been the ongoing contract negotiations with star edge rusher TJ Watt. Reports indicate that there is currently an offer on the table, but it falls short of the figure Watt is reportedly seeking. Despite the high price tag, many fans believe he’s worth every penny and view securing him long-term as a priority.
Up to this point, the Steelers have had a fair amount of financial flexibility, allowing them to make these big moves. However, if the team decides to finalize an upgraded deal for Watt, it could create a tight financial situation moving forward. Balancing these big contracts will be a challenge for the front office as they try to remain competitive while managing the salary cap.
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