The Pittsburgh Steelers' most dominant teams have a common theme: defense. The 2025 Steelers were supposed to follow suit; after all, they had the highest-paid defense in the NFL. This unit, led by superstar linebacker TJ Watt, had star power and legitimate expectations to be among the best in the NFL last season. We saw flashes of the Steelers' defense's potential last season, but it was too inconsistent for its price tag. Now, the Steelers will head to the 2026 season with a different coaching staff and renewed expectations.
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Steelers superstar edge rusher TJ Watt lets out a thunderous roar after delivering a game-changing play against the Cleveland Browns, igniting the crowd and fueling Pittsburgh’s defensive momentum.
With the Steelers and former head coach Mike Tomlin parting ways, the Steelers have made sweeping changes on their coaching staff under new head coach Mike McCarthy. This includes hiring a new defensive coordinator, former Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham. Graham's Raiders tenure was a stark contrast to the Steelers, who were under Tomlin for almost two decades. Graham was the Raiders' defensive coordinator for four seasons under three different head coaches. While this is attributed to how highly Graham is perceived inside the NFL's inner circle, Graham will not have this luxury in Pittsburgh.
One of the Steelers ' defense's biggest questions this offseason is what they do with their talented defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac shared his thoughts regarding this.
"I don't see Ramsey exiting and yes, they can adjust his cap hit if necessary," Dulac wrote. "But that may not be necessary with the projected huge increase in the salary cap."
Ramsey's cap hit this season compared to last season is a significant difference. For a defense that was already the highest-paid in the NFL last season, Ramsey's contract goes to $17.5 million with the Steelers, while last season it was under $5 million. So how could the highest-paid defense in the NFL absorb this cap increase? Fortunately, the NFL is coming in clutch for the Steelers with a projected huge salary cap boost, as Dulac mentioned. The salary cap boom will make any cap adjustment for Ramsey a slight one, and should keep one of their most reliable players with the Steelers for at least the next season.
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Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey makes a tackle on Colts tight end Tyler Warren during Pittsburgh's 27-20 win in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season.
Ramsey did not have the flashy, highlight-filled season that he's had in years past. However, Ramsey was a key part of the Steelers' defense, which is why they won the AFC North title. Ramsey's durability was on full display, starting all 17 games for the Steelers. The former lockdown corner played both safety and cornerback for the Steelers last season, and his versatility was key for the Steelers' secondary, as he was able to plug up whatever holes the secondary had due to injuries.
Steelers' Defense Will Have To Be Better Next Season
Despite Ramsey's durability and solid overall play, the Steelers' defense was not nearly as dominant as expected. The unit often played its best football when it mattered last season, including a massive Week 16 victory over the Detroit Lions, in which the Steelers held the best rushing attack in the NFL to just 15 rushing yards. If this Steelers' defense had maintained this level throughout the season, they would've had far more than the 10 wins they achieved. For the Steelers to win their first playoff game in their last seven attempts, it will have to start on defense.
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Patrick Graham during his time as the defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders.
When the Steelers moved on from Tomlin in the offseason, many assumed this would trigger a rebuild. However, bringing in McCarthy shortly after quickly proved that assumption false. The Steelers want to win, and they want to win now. Ramsey isn't getting any younger at 31. The Steelers will need his versatility and durability once again for the Steelers' defense to reach its peak form.
What are your expectations for Ramsey next season? Let us know in the comments below!
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