The Pittsburgh Steelers recently pulled off a major trade, acquiring cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. This move has created a lot of excitement among fans who are eager to see how these seasoned veterans can elevate the team’s overall performance. Both Ramsey and Smith bring a unique level of versatility that strengthens both sides of the ball. In addition to their proven skill sets, their presence adds much-needed depth and veteran leadership to the Steelers’ roster, something that could make a big difference in the team’s push for a playoff run this season.
Miami Dolphins
Former Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey soars to make a game-winning interception.
However, when it comes to the long-term outlook, not everyone is optimistic about Ramsey’s future with the team. Insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently appeared on 93.7 The Fan, where he voiced some skepticism regarding the acquisition. He pointed out that the structure of Ramsey’s deal suggests a short-term arrangement, offering the Steelers flexibility, but also leaving his long-term role with the team uncertain.
"Clearly the whole Minkah [Fitzpatrick] thing wasn’t working out. I’m fine moving on from Minkah, but I just don’t know how the Jalen Ramsey thing is going to work out," Fittipaldo said. "It’s basically a one-year deal, they can walk away from it. And sometimes when that happens, when you’re just working on a one-year deal, you’re not committed to it long-term. And maybe they will be by the time training camp starts, maybe [there will be] a new contract or whatever in place. But right now, that’s a little bit of an unknown to me right now."
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has recently received praise for his strategic approach this offseason, particularly for not becoming too attached to veteran players. Khan has focused on building a well-rounded team by combining experienced veterans with young, promising rookies. This balanced approach not only strengthens the roster in the short-term, but also helps lay a solid foundation for the future of the franchise.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' GM Omar Khan making a phone call during draft night.
Reports have indicated that the Steelers were not actively looking to trade Minkah Fitzpatrick, but it has become clear that he likely was not a part of the team's long-term plans. Even before the trade was finalized, Ramsey had already been linked to the Steelers, with many questioning how well he would fit into the team’s scheme. However, Ramsey brings valuable depth and versatility to the secondary, thanks to his ability to play multiple positions effectively. Most concerns surrounding Ramsey aren’t related to his talent, as he’s proven his abilities on the field, but rather come from off-field factors, and Fittipaldo seems to agree.
"He’s on his fourth team now. He likes to talk a little bit, brings an edge, he brings an attitude," Fittipaldo said. "I think that can be good for a defense, but there’s probably a reason he’s on his fourth team as well."
Recent reports have suggested that Ramsey may have been a source of tension in the locker room in Miami. In a recent interview, Smith acknowledged that there were indeed locker room issues during his time in Miami, which may have influenced his move to Pittsburgh, even though he did not directly name Ramsey as the cause. However, others have pointed fingers in that direction, raising concerns about Ramsey's potential impact on team chemistry. This is especially important for the Steelers, who have dealt with similar issues in the past.
Associated Press
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey celebrates during his time in Miami.
The Steelers Need Their New Players To Perform
The Steelers have consistently managed to be just good enough to reach the playoffs, only to fall short in the first round. Now, with a lot of new top talent added to the roster, the pressure to go further is greater than ever. Many of the veteran players were brought in on short-term or flexible deals, meaning they’ll need to prove their value quickly if they hope to remain part of the team’s future plans. For Ramsey, that pressure exists both on and off the field, as he looks to meet high expectations and silence the haters questioning his fit in Pittsburgh.
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