The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a wild offseason. The biggest headline came when future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers made the stunning decision to sign with the Steelers, likely marking the final chapter of his storied NFL career. His arrival immediately shifted expectations in Pittsburgh, turning the Steelers into instant contenders and raising hopes for a deep playoff run in 2025.
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Steelers' Omar Khan and Minkah Fitzpatrick walk the field before a home game.
Just when the NFL world thought the Steelers were done making moves, they shocked everyone by trading All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. The bold trade drew mixed reactions, but it sent a clear message that General Manager Omar Khan is pushing all his chips to the center of the table. By moving a key defensive piece for a likely future Hall of Fame corner and a veteran tight end, the Steelers are betting big on experience and immediate impact.
Well-respected NFL analyst Steve Palazzolo appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday to break down the trade. While he credited the Dolphins for doing well in the deal, Palazzolo made it clear that he believes the Steelers may have just taken their defense to another level.
"They got better," Palazzolo said. "I mean, I think this makes them better for this year… I think Jalen Ramsey can still play. That trio of corners, if Ramsey is still a corner and not dabbling at safety. Having Darius Slay, Joey Porter Jr., and Jalen Ramsey is just incredible."
With TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Ramsey, and others leading the way, he said Pittsburgh has a real shot at fielding the best defense in the entire league, possibly even the greatest of the 2025 season. That's a strong statement but it does make some sort of sense.
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Steelers DT Cam Heyward and LB TJ Watt celebrate a sack in their Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Steelers' 2024 defense was the highest-paid unit in the NFL. Many expected them to be dominant, and they were early in the season, but down the stretch, they got gashed. The Steelers believe they have addressed many of those issues and are very confident about their 2025 defense.
"I think the Steelers got better, and when you combine that with how good their front five is, you know those pass rushers, I already thought they had best of the league, you know, defense type of potential, and I think they even improved that case with this trade," Palazzolo said.
Of course, the main concern for the Steelers right now is their situation with Watt. It's no secret that Watt and the team are having difficulty reaching an agreement on a new contract. Set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, Watt is reportedly pushing for an extension now that reflects his value in the current pass rusher market.
Steelers Facing Trouble Keeping Their Star Pass Rusher Happy
With elite edge rushers driving salaries higher than ever, Watt is said to be seeking over $40 million per year. That is a massive commitment for a player entering his 30s, but many analysts believe he has earned it. Watt’s track record includes a Defensive Player of the Year Award, multiple Pro Bowl selections, and a consistent ability to change games with his presence on the field.
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Steelers' TJ Watt sacks Falcons' Kirk Cousins during an away game in the 2024 season.
The question the Steelers must answer is whether it makes sense to invest that heavily in a player who will soon be 31. It is a difficult decision that could shape the future of the franchise. If Pittsburgh is serious about contending in 2025 and building one of the league’s most dominant defenses, keeping Watt at the center of it all might be worth the price.
Especially after new reports have come out stating that the value of Watt via trade may not be that great. Steelers fans will be very curious to watch how the situation with Watt unfolds.
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