First Call: Steelers reportedly 'checked in' on Jalen Ramsey; Diontae Johnson thinks Kenny Pickett will start for Browns

Wednesday’s “First Call” has Adam Schefter’s update on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ level of interest in Jalen Ramsey. An ex-Steeler thinks Kenny Pickett is going to win the Browns starting QB job. We examine some struggling Pirates.

We also advance a highlight moment for the Penn State women’s hockey program.

Ramsey rumblings

According to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers “checked in” with the Miami Dolphins about acquiring Jalen Ramsey.

But Schefter doesn’t seem sold on the cornerback being a serious candidate to land in Pittsburgh.

“I think Pittsburgh checked in. I’m not so sure that Pittsburgh’s going to be the destination,” Schefter said on ESPN Radio’s “Unsportsmanlike” on Tuesday. “In fact, if I had to guess, I would say Pittsburgh would not be the likely destination.

“Two teams that make sense — and we’ll see how it plays out — would both be in Los Angeles, be it the Chargers or the Rams. I know people have brought up the Rams, and the Rams just continue to float around out there. It would have to work financially for both sides.”

Ramsey has made the Pro Bowl seven times. He is under contract through 2028. However, his production has slipped and — via ProFootballFocus — he allowed a career-worst receiving percentage with 70.8% of throws in his target zone going for completions.

After last year, the Steelers sure could use cornerback help. But they addressed that a bit during the offseason by signing Darius Slay and Brandin Echols in free agency. Plus, they drafted Donte Kent in the seventh round.

Pickett plans

Ex-Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson is now with the Cleveland Browns. He expects another former member of the Black and Gold to win the crowded Cleveland starting quarterback battle.

During an appearance on the “Sports and Suits” podcast, Johnson says bet on Kenny Pickett to be the Browns starter entering the 2025 season.

“I think they are going to roll with Kenny for right now,” Johnson said via a ProFootballTalk transcript. “I’ve been seeing Kenny going right now with the ones. Then, Joe (Flacco) will come in. … I think they are probably going to roll with (Pickett) just to see. He’s coming off a season with Philly and having a Super Bowl. So, I think they are going to stick with him through the preseason.”

Pickett made 24 starts in Pittsburgh between 2022 and 2023. Then, he was traded to Philadelphia prior to last season, where he got one start and played in five games.

Along with Flacco, Pickett is challenged by rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.

More sports

• 1 big debate on our All-Quarter-Century Steelers team
• Tim Benz: Aaron Rodgers' public acknowledgment about his future is exactly what the Steelers needed to hear
• Pirates' Oneil Cruz benched for lack of hustle down 1st base line

Pirates problems

I know Oneil Cruz’s benching for failing to run out a double play (because he allegedly forgot how many outs there were) is the big story surrounding the Pirates after Tuesday night’s loss in Milwaukee.

But can we talk about how badly he is struggling at the plate too? Maybe him being benched for a while isn’t a bad idea.

Since June 12, Cruz has only reached base eight times in his last 46 plate appearances. That’s just five hits and three walks for a .117 batting average, a .174 on-base percentage and a .293 OPS. Not to mention his seven errors in center field to lead Major League Baseball at the position.

Oneil Cruz BENCHED For Being Lazy pic.twitter.com/rhNmwwb8cW

— Josh Auger (@BehindThePlay41) June 25, 2025

Andrew Heaney is in a funk right now too. Over his previous five outings heading into Tuesday’s start, he was 0-3 with a 6.08 ERA and 18 earned runs (six home runs) allowed.

Then, against the Brewers, things got worse for Heaney. He gave up seven earned runs, including three homers in just four innings. The lefty allowed three walks and seven hits while absorbing the loss to fall to 3-7.

Breaking through

Penn State had its first player from the women’s hockey program to be drafted into the PWHL. It’s Brianna Brooks.

She was selected 32nd overall in the eight-team league by Vancouver PWHL. This is their first season in the league.

Bri's headed to @PWHL__Vancouver ???? @briannabrookss_ becomes the first player in program history to be drafted into the PWHL‼️ @GoPSUsports | @Atlantic_Hockey #WeAre pic.twitter.com/Z7J4gtoiW5

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) June 25, 2025

A forward from Whitby, Ontario, Brooks was a Nittany Lion for two seasons. She totaled 25 goals and 56 points. She also tallied eight power-play goals during her time in State College.

Brooks spent her first three college seasons at New Hampshire.