Steelers A to Z: Jalen Ramsey trade adds another piece to crowded outside cornerback group

Editor’s note: From now until reporting day to training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2025 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with at least two players each day between June 12 and July 23. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.

CB JALEN RAMSEY

Experience/age: 10th season, 30 years old

Contract status: Estimated $6.816 million cap hit after reworked contract, signed through 2028 with three voidable years attached to original deal.

The past: For a former No. 5 overall draft pick and one of the premier cornerbacks in the league, Ramsey is playing on his fourth team. He lasted just two seasons in Miami, where he reportedly clashed with head coach Mike McDaniel, before the Steelers acquired Ramsey along with tight end Jonnu Smith in a blockbuster trade.

It was the third time in Ramsey’s career that he was traded. Jacksonville, which drafted Ramsey in 2016, traded him three years later to the Los Angeles Rams. Ramsey won a Super Bowl with the Rams but was shipped to Miami in the 2023 offseason.

Ramsey is a three-time All-Pro selection and he has been selected to seven Pro Bowl teams, although he earned neither designation last year in Miami. Ramsey started all 17 games for the Dolphins and totaled two interceptions and 11 pass breakups.

Ramsey has 24 interceptions and 108 pass breakups over his nine NFL seasons. Those numbers rank fourth and third, respectively, in the NFL since he entered the league.

Break my own news! ???????? #HereWeGo @steelers pic.twitter.com/vnwJLZBDpM

— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) June 30, 2025

2025 outlook: Ramsey’s acquisition presents a pleasant issue for defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who must figure out how to get three outside cornerbacks on the field at the same time. The Steelers have third-year player Joey Porter Jr. at one outside spot, and they signed Darius Slay in free agency to fill the other.

The Steelers believe Ramsey has the skills to contribute to other areas of the defense. He could see snaps at slot cornerback or at safety following the departure of Minkah Fitzpatrick in the trade.