BREAKING: The Steelers have finalized a trade to acquire CB Jalen Ramsey from the Dolphins. (via Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport).
BREAKING: Steelers Land Star Cornerback Jalen Ramsey in Blockbuster Trade with Dolphins
In a stunning move that could reshape the AFC playoff picture, the Pittsburgh Steelers have acquired All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins, according to NFL insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport. The deal, finalized late Tuesday night, signals Pittsburgh’s aggressive intentions for the 2025 NFL season and adds a proven, elite defender to an already formidable unit.
📦 The Trade Details
According to sources close to the negotiations, the trade involves:
Steelers receive:
CB Jalen Ramsey
2025 6th-round pick (conditional)
Dolphins receive:
2025 3rd-round pick
2026 5th-round pick
CB Levi Wallace
While financial details remain under wraps, it’s believed the Dolphins will absorb a portion of Ramsey’s guaranteed salary to help facilitate the trade, making the move manageable under Pittsburgh’s cap constraints.
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🟡 What This Means for the Steelers
For the Steelers, this is more than just a high-profile acquisition—it’s a statement. After narrowly missing out on a deep playoff run in 2024, general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin have pushed their chips in on building an elite defense capable of contending with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson.
Adding Ramsey to a secondary already featuring Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr., and Damontae Kazee gives Pittsburgh one of the most dangerous back-end defenses in the league.
Tomlin, who is known for maximizing the talents of his defensive stars, now has the luxury of employing Ramsey in multiple roles—whether it’s as a shutdown corner, slot defender, or hybrid safety.
“Jalen is a rare competitor,” Tomlin said in a brief statement. “His mindset, physicality, and championship experience are a perfect fit for what we’re building in Pittsburgh.”
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🐬 Why Miami Made the Move
For the Dolphins, the trade is more about the future than the present. Ramsey, 30, played well in his limited action in 2024 after returning from a meniscus injury, but Miami’s cap situation and growing need to invest in younger talent made a trade inevitable.
By dealing Ramsey, Miami clears significant cap room and acquires additional mid-round picks that can be used to build depth around cornerstone players like Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, and Jaelan Phillips.
“We love everything Jalen brought to our team, on and off the field,” said Dolphins GM Chris Grier. “But this move allows us flexibility to continue building a roster that can win now and in the future.”
Ramsey, for his part, appeared to take the trade in stride. He posted on social media shortly after the news broke:
> “Y’all know what time it is. Let’s get it, Steeler Nation. 💍 #HereWeGo”
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🔍 Ramsey’s Track Record
Jalen Ramsey, a 3-time First-Team All-Pro and 6-time Pro Bowler, remains one of the most complete defensive backs in football. Known for his elite coverage skills, physicality, and football IQ, he’s been a force since entering the league as a first-round pick of the Jaguars in 2016.
Career Stats (through 2024):
109 games played
23 interceptions
103 pass deflections
6 forced fumbles
3 touchdowns
His 2024 campaign with the Dolphins, though shortened by injury, was a reminder of his impact. In just 9 games, Ramsey recorded 4 interceptions and held opposing QBs to a passer rating of under 60 when targeted.
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🔮 Outlook for 2025
With Ramsey in the fold, the Steelers now boast a defensive roster that could rival the NFL’s best. Coupled with the emergence of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cam Heyward in the front seven, Pittsburgh’s defense is now poised to become a nightmare for AFC offenses.
The question now turns to the offense. If Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or another quarterback can provide consistent play under center, the Steelers could be legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
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📢 Fan and Analyst Reaction
Unsurprisingly, social media erupted as the news broke:
NFL Network’s James Palmer: “The AFC North just got even scarier. Ramsey + Fitzpatrick = fireworks.”
Former Steeler Ryan Clark: “This is vintage Steelers. Go get a dawg. And that’s what Jalen is.”
Fan reaction on X (formerly Twitter):
“Steelers defense about to be the modern-day Steel Curtain 😤 #HereWeGo”
“Dolphins just handed us a championship. Let’s gooooo!”
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📝 Final Thoughts
The Steelers are clearly all-in. After years of rebuilding and reshaping their identity, this move sends a crystal-clear message: Pittsburgh is ready to contend—now.
For Miami, the decision may sting in the short term, but it reflects a disciplined approach to the cap and roster development.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh to see how Ramsey integrates into Tomlin’s defense. If the pieces come together, the Steelers could be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February.
One thing’s certain—Jalen Ramsey is back in the spotlight, and this time, he’s wearing black and gold.