It’s been an active free agency for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, which has been more on the defense, but this could trigger a trade involving defensive back Jalen Ramsey. After signing safety Jaquan Brisker, including acquiring cornerback Jamel Dean, Ramsey could be phased out of this secondary unit. It was a huge day for the veteran, as his $3.5 million roster bonus hit, so it’s a chance that he’s safe from a release, but nobody should rule out a trade. It’s easier for the Steelers to find a trade partner, particularly this upcoming NFL Draft.
This is where the team can get creative and find a way to overhaul this secondary. Selected as a first-round pick, the former 2016 NFL Draft selection hoped to join the Dallas Cowboys before they took Ezekiel Elliott that year. Ramsey would join arguably one of the best defenses in Jacksonville alongside Myles Jack and an offense led by Blake Bortles that paid off all the way to the AFC Championship Game. The Jaguars traded Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams, where the team used the picks to select K’Lavon Chaisson and Travis Etienne.
Ramsey would go on to win a Super Bowl during the Aaron Donald defensive era. The following season, the Rams traded Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins, where the veteran struggled to get anything going. The All-Pro joined the Steelers during the 2025 season, where he had a resurgent campaign with three sacks, 88 tackles (53 solo), one interception, and eight passes defended.
Jalen Ramsey “Could Be On The Move” After Contract Trigger
Unfortunately for the veteran safety, all good things must come to an end. There haven’t been any reports that the Steelers are open to trading Ramsey, but after hiring head coach Mike McCarthy and, most likely, seeing Aaron Rodgers retire in 2027, it’s a possibility. Ramsey is under contract through the 2028 season, but there’s no guarantee that he will be a member of the organization up to that.
Next Possible Fits
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys made several improvements in free agency, specifically in the secondary. Last season, the Cowboys had one of the worst units covering the receivers, but with the addition of PJ Locke and Jalen Thompson, the team has a chance to turn it around. With Donovan Wilson likely gone, the team could use an upgrade over veteran Malik Hooker. The veteran is solid, but he hasn’t done much to blow the team out of the water, where he’s making big plays like Ramsey.
Jerry Jones should be interested in Ramsey and finally get him to be a part of the Cowboys for the first time in his career.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Commanders are also making significant improvements. From signing Odafe Oweh and Leo Chenal to massive deals, there is room to improve alongside free agent signee Nick Cross. This doesn’t mean that Quan Martin will lose his permanent starting spot, but when you have a quarterback like Jayden Daniels, you have to maximize this team’s potential. Daniels is eligible for a new contract in 2027, and with the addition of Ramsey already a part of a promising roster being put together in Washington, the future is bright for appearing in a possible Super Bowl.
Kansas City Chiefs
If anyone needs a new secondary leader desperately, it’s the Kansas City Chiefs. The team lost cornerback Trent McDuffie via a trade with the Rams, while losing Bryan Cook and Jaylen Watson. It’s a huge hit to a team that won back-to-back Super Bowls in the past, but they change it around and sign Ramsey. The Chiefs signed Alohi Gilman as a replacement, so why not pair him with Ramsey to compensate this secondary in the right direction?