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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback/safety Jalen Ramsey.
The Pittsburgh Steelers once again fell short of expectations in 2025, ending their season with another Wild Card Round exit. It also marked the end of the Mike Tomlin era.
In steps veteran head coach Mike McCarthy, becoming the first new head coach to patrol the Pittsburgh sideline in nearly 20 years.
That alone signals change. McCarthy will bring a new approach, along with a staff of his choosing. The 62-year-old has built a reputation as a steady winner, consistently guiding teams to the postseason and capturing a Super Bowl title with the Green Bay Packers.
Now on his third NFL stop, assembling a roster that fits his vision will be critical — especially for a franchise trying to move beyond what many have labeled as mediocrity. That process begins this offseason through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.
One clear area Pittsburgh may need to address is age. The Steelers were one of the oldest teams in the league last season. Getting younger typically happens through the draft.
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Steelers Could Use Jalen Ramsey to Gain Draft Capital
The Steelers currently hold the No. 21 overall pick and have 10 selections total. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton suggested a bold possibility: using defensive back Jalen Ramsey as part of a package to acquire additional draft capital.
“Entering his age-32 season, Ramsey’s contract counts $19.5 million against the cap. While the Steelers may feel good about how his skill set translates to safety, they probably would prefer to either restructure his deal or trade him at that cost,” Moton wrote.
“Pittsburgh can bundle Ramsey with a draft pick to entice potential suitors.”
Including Ramsey in a deal could allow Pittsburgh to recoup value, whether that means moving up in a later round or gaining extra picks. It likely wouldn’t vault them into the top of the first round, but it could provide flexibility in the middle rounds.
Jalen Ramsey’s Production and Contract Raise Questions
Ramsey turns 32 in October, and while his move from cornerback to safety may have helped extend his career, his production has dipped.
“After early-season struggles at his natural position, Ramsey transitioned to safety and made the AFC Pro Bowl roster. In a similar vein, Hall of Famer Charles Woodson moved from cornerback to safety, which extended his career by a few years, but he had been a ballhawk,” Moton noted.
Ramsey recorded back-to-back four-interception seasons with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 and 2022. Since then, he has totaled six interceptions combined — including just one last season after Pittsburgh acquired him from the Miami Dolphins.
It’s still early in McCarthy’s tenure, and no firm direction has been made public. But moving Ramsey — especially at his cap number — wouldn’t be unprecedented for a team potentially reshaping its roster.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to how this new coaching staff views the future of Steelers football and whether clearing cap space and adding draft capital — either this year or in the future — fits that vision.
Shane Shoemaker Shane Shoemaker is a sports journalist covering college football and the NFL for Heavy.com. His work has also appeared in The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, USA TODAY, and ClutchPoints, along with high school sports coverage for the Marion Tribune. More about Shane Shoemaker
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