Steelers Make Bold Moves: Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith Join the Team!

Miami Gardens, USA - The Pittsburgh Steelers have made waves in the NFL with their latest trade, acquiring cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. This significant move has sent All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami, shaking up the dynamics within the Steelers‘ roster as they aim for a stronger playoff push in 2025. With high hopes of securing a Super Bowl title, this trade is about amplifying the Steelers‘ strengths while addressing some persistent concerns.

Ramsey, who joins the Steelers effectively after his stint with the Dolphins, brings an impressive skill set. Known for his versatility, he can adapt to both cornerback and safety positions. This positional flexibility is crucial for Pittsburgh, particularly as they navigate an older defense with significant potential. As Steelernation reports, his ability to contribute in coverage, alongside playing close to the line of scrimmage, could be a game changer.

Strengthening the Tight End Group

On the offensive front, adding Jonnu Smith significantly enhances the tight end group, which already includes Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Smith is coming off a career year, having recorded 884 yards and 88 receptions last season, and is expected to thrive in multiple roles for the Steelers‘ offense. With Smith’s arrival, the tight end position is set for a revitalization, giving quarterback Kenny Pickett a more dynamic set of options as he seeks to elevate his game.

However, the Steelers still face challenges, especially regarding the depth of their receiving corps. Currently, they have DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III, but this isn’t necessarily enough for a competitive edge. As general manager Omar Khan is aware, bolstering the receiving lineup is essential, and he may pursue veteran free agents like Amari Cooper or Keenan Allen to fill in the gaps. As noted by NFL.com, Ramsey’s arrival is expected to also grant him a noteworthy $1.5 million salary boost this season, highlighting the financial stakes involved in this trade.

Recent Transactions

In addition to this trade, the Steelers have been active in making various roster adjustments. Notably, they waived defensive end Blake Mangelson and signed rookie wide receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig to join their growing list of fresh talent. Key players from previous seasons have also seen changes, with George Pickens getting traded to the Dallas Cowboys for draft picks. These moves indicate that the Steelers are not only focused on optimizing their current squad but are also strategically planning for the future.

The effectiveness of the Steelers‘ secondary following these transactions is yet to be fully determined. Notably, with the introduction of Ramsey, the potential for extending his contract next season exists, despite the rarity of extensions for players over the age of 30. Should he reach the level of performance that parallels his teammate Darius Slay, who recently secured a three-year, $42 million extension, this could be a transformative moment for the Steelers.

As the Steelers gear up for training camp, bringing in experienced players like Ramsey and Smith could be the missing pieces in a puzzle that aims for championship glory. With the countdown to the regular season on, all eyes will be on how these new faces fit into the charming eclecticism of Pittsburgh’s storied football culture. The stakes are high, but if anyone can hold their cards right, it’s the Steelers. Let’s see how it all unfolds!