Things didn’t work out as expected for Jalen Ramsey and the Miami Dolphins.
When healthy, he was a difference maker on the field, and he was always a positive presence in the locker room.
However, the team failed to live up to the expectations, and given his age and big salary, it made more sense for both parties to find a new home.
Then again, the team wanted to do right by him.
It wasn’t just about getting his salary off their books but also about finding the right environment.
That’s why, when asked about his departure, the All-Pro cornerback praised the Dolphins for the way they dealt with his trade situation.
“It was in the works for a little minute. Things had to get put together the right way. Things had to come together from my standpoint, to the Dolphins, to the Steelers. I do appreciate the Dolphins and them working with me and David, not just, ‘Hey, this team called. We’ll send you here.’ It wasn’t any of that. It was very open communication. Y’all been good to us, I’ve been good to y’all. Let’s go to a team that’s going to be able to compete, let’s go to a team where there’s a lot of respect for the head coach,” Ramsey said.
Jalen Ramsey on his trade from the #Dolphins, via @thepivot:
“I do appreciate the Dolphins and them working with me and David, let’s go to a team that’s going to be able to compete, let’s go to a team where there’s a lot of respect for the head coach.”pic.twitter.com/XSQi4ZSexO
— JPA Football (@jasrifootball) August 12, 2025
Of course, Ramsey is no longer the superstar, lockdown cornerback he was in his heyday.
But that doesn’t mean he’s not one of the best players at his position, and he can still give a contending team a massive boost in the secondary.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their defensive expertise, and with Mike Tomlin at the helm, that’s not going to change any time soon.
Some believe that Ramsey would be better off making the transition to play safety, just like many other cornerbacks have done in the past, once they reach a certain age.
With Minkah Fitzpatrick back in Miami, he’s expected to line up all over the secondary.
Whatever the case, trading for him was a bold move by a Steelers team whose championship window might close after this year.
