3 Reasons Why Steelers Trading for Jalen Ramsey from Dolphins Makes Perfect Sense

The Pittsburgh Steelers have added Jalen Ramsey to their talented defense, taking another step towards becoming a Super Bowl-caliber team.

3 Reasons Why Steelers Trading for Jalen Ramsey from Dolphins Makes Perfect Sense

Jalen Ramsey (Image via CNN)

After weeks of uncertainty, the Pittsburgh Steelers have chosen to make another significant addition to their team, this time only on the defensive side. The duo of general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin is not playing around this year.

Pittsburgh prioritized an offensive revamp first. Now it’s the turn of the defense.

The team parted ways with George Pickens and Najee Harris, the most productive players on offense. Pittsburgh brought in DK Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers, both considerable upgrades from Russell Wilson and Pickens. Now, the team has acquired Jalen Ramsey and Jonny Smith, but the team gave up a star in Minkah Fitzpatrick. The 28-year-old safety being traded has left many fans unhappy.

The Steelers gave him up to complete their team filled with the senior citizens of the NFL. Rodgers, Ramsey, Robert Woods, are all players above 30. The team has focused more on bringing players with a proven track record into the mix, but all the players they are bringing come with a proven track record.

It is evident that the Steelers are going all-in, to ensure this year does not end with another disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs. However, the recent Ramsey trade, although viewed as bad for Pittsburgh, is the best decision that the team has made in recent history.

3. The Ramsey trade indicates the Steelers are adopting a more-proactive approach

For a team that has conventionally restricted itself to making safe moves. Pittsburgh is not that team which spends millions to sign stars at full value. This has been a team that drafts well and focuses on developing players into stars, but that philosophy has not yielded much success to the team, apart from multiple first-round exits.

Jalen Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey (Image via AP)

This has prompted the team to take an alternative route. The trade for Ramsey helps them fulfill their requirement for a cover man. Smith is an added bonus because the tight end can serve as a pass-catcher for Rodgers.

The trade came at the cost of Fitzpatrick, but that was a gamble Tomlin made considering the safety’s decline in production. Although questionable, remember, experience beats talent in critical moments in the NFL.

2. Jalen Ramsey will not underperform in Pittsburgh

The reason that the trade is being dubbed as bad is due to Ramsey’s age. He will turn 31 in a few months, which is right around the age where cornerbacks begin to slow down or become susceptible to injuries. Ramsey’s Pro Football Focus grade for the 2024 season was 71.9, a career-low for him.

However, that does not take away from his skills as a run defender. His 82.2 run defense grade last season ranked him 13th amongst other cornerbacks. He has still got it. Now the question of if the Steelers overpaid for him or not is an entirely different one, because Ramsey’s former’ team is willing to foot just $7 million of the bill whereas Pittsburgh is on the hook for the remaining $26.6 million.

Ramsey’s addition makes the Steelers defense better.

1. The Steelers are building their roster to win today

This year, Pittsburgh’s proactive approach signifies one thing: the team is operating with a sense of urgency. With Rodgers most likely in his final season, Tomlin and Khan are building a roster that carries a good mix between experienced veterans and younger players.

New Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers reveals he is married
New Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers (Image via Mike Garafolo/X)

The team is leaving no stone unturned in a bid to cement themselves as Super Bowl contenders. The Steelers lie in one of the toughest divisions. The AFC North has two strong teams in the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Steelers were not built to overcome those teams two weeks ago, but now, one-by-one, things are adding up. Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan are yearning for a Super Bowl spot, and they want it to be in this season. Ramsey is a key piece in their bigger plan, as he will motivate the locker room and improve his fellow corners.

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