The Pittsburgh Steelers are putting all their cards on the table, and it’s clear Omar Khan and his front office aren’t playing it safe in 2025.
After an aggressive offseason marked by blockbuster trades and bold roster cuts, the Steelers made yet another headline-grabbing move by trading for three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
And they didn’t stop there—Pittsburgh welcomed Ramsey with a massive 4-year, $84 million contract extension, including $19.5 million guaranteed in the first year.
It’s a statement deal, no question. It shows the Steelers believe Ramsey can be a cornerstone of their defense, even as he enters the back half of his career. But let’s be honest here—this is a gamble, and the Steelers know it.
So far in training camp, Ramsey has lived up to his All-Pro pedigree.
His name still holds weight, and his football IQ and instincts remain elite. But his dominance hasn’t quite looked the same lately.
He missed seven games in 2023 due to injury, and while he bounced back to play a full season in 2024, the numbers weren’t vintage Ramsey. Two interceptions over the course of the year—his lowest total since 2022.
It raise fair concerns about whether he’s still that shutdown force he once was.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not stuck with Jalen Ramsey if he becomes a bust
Still, the Steelers were willing to bet big. And you know what? I can’t blame them. This franchise is tired of being middle-of-the-pack. They’ve brought in Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and other veterans with the goal of winning now.
Ramsey fits that mold—a proven winner with a fiery edge and playoff experience. But Khan played this smart. Despite the $84 million headline, the contract structure gives Pittsburgh flexibility.
If Ramsey doesn’t bounce back in 2025, they can move on without crippling their cap space.
I really appreciate this front office decision: aggressive, but calculated. They believe in Ramsey’s upside, but they’re not turning a blind eye to recent trends. It’s a big swing—but with a safety net.
At the end of the day, Ramsey doesn’t need to be 2017-Ramsey for this deal to work. He just needs to be a leader, a solid veteran presence in the secondary, and someone who can still make a few game-changing plays.
If he does that, this contract might look like a bargain. If not, well—the Steelers have left themselves an exit. Either way, they’re not sitting on their hands. They’re going for it.