3 takeaways from the Steelers landing Jalen Ramsey
After a month of Ramsey-to-Pittsburgh rumors, the Steelers pulled off the mother-of-all blockbuster trades to land the three-time All-Pro cornerback, with an added bonus in TE Jonnu Smith. Here are the three biggest takeaways from the Steelers-Dolphins trade for Jalen Ramsey:
Steelers have the best defense in the NFL
Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) reacts prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Ramsey's arrival in Pittsburgh leaves no doubt — the Steelers have the best defense in the NFL. While losing Minkah Fitzpatrick is concerning, his lack of splash plays and impact on the defense had begun to decline over the past few seasons. The Steelers have options to replace him, including the newly acquired Ramsey in certain defensive packages. From the defensive line to the secondary, this Black and Gold defense is ready to compete with the very elite in the NFL.
Ramsey in, Beanie out?
Jan 4, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) celebrates after intercepting a Cincinnati Bengals pass during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The exceptional undrafted cornerback that is Beanie Bishop Jr. will need to wait one more season to solidify his breakout, as the Ramsey trade likely impacts his starting opportunity at slot corner — or will it? It remains to be seen who will take over the starting free safety reps full time, but if Juan Thornhill takes over, Beanie will play less on defense. Learning behind Darius Slay Jr. and Ramsey will do wonders for his development, however, and the young Steelers corner will serve as one of the NFL's best backup slot cornerbacks.
Super Bowl or bust in 2025: Aaron Rodgers' last ride
Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images
Defenses win championships, and that's exactly what this Steelers roster is geared up to compete for. Trading for Ramsey reveals the Steelers are all in on maximizing Rodgers' likely final year in the NFL — and while there are concerns regarding Pittsburgh's offense, the defense is Super Bowl caliber.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers biggest takeaways from Jalen Ramsey trade with Dolphins
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