In 2019, the Los Angeles Rams took a flyer on the often boisterous—but never inadequate—Jalen Ramsey. He remained with the team for the next three years, collecting two First Team All-Pro selections, three Pro Bowls, a Lombardi trophy, and a 5-year/$100M contract. All in a day’s work.
The sweetest of his stint came atop a parade float, standing beside steadfast defenders Von Miller and Aaron Donald; both, at one point or another, considered the best in their position. In hindsight, it’s surreal to think all three repped that royal blue, but it’s true. What General Manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay concocted was a gritty, well-decorated group of vets, infused with a confidence irreproducible. It was like watching a Clint Eastwood movie with a cast made up of only Clint Eastwoods.
But after that last piece of confetti fell, the Rams’ Super Bowl roster disintegrated. The following season saw key losses like Von Miller, Odell Beckham Jr. (having suffered a torn ACL), and a myriad of others plagued with injuries, making an already vulnerable team plain unwatchable.
Jalen Ramsey Steelers 2025: Can Mike Tomlin Revive Him?
The Rams Implode—and Ramsey Moves On
Ramsey played all 17 games in the 2022 season, but the team struggled to find success. Afterward, the Rams traded him to the Miami Dolphins for tight end Hunter Long and a 2023 third-round pick. The Rams’ ceremonial “cleaning of house” gave optimism to a Dolphins team looking to make a push—it just never came to fruition.
Miami Mayhem: A Misfit Piece in a Shaky Puzzle
The alarming, persistent injuries of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, combined with what seemed to be a full-on mutiny of indolence towards the backend of a mediocre 2024 year, saw but one singular Wild Card appearance during Ramsey’s tenure. Additionally, his attitude had reverted back to the apathetic all-star he’d been in Jacksonville, albeit meriting a lackluster showing of accolades.
Thinking back on those 3½ years with the Jaguars, Ramsey acting as the impassioned dilettante to a starving franchise’s rebrand, “Sacksonville,” he’d really only been content when his personal aspirations were met. The years following the 2017 AFC Championship got complicated as the Jaguars managed only 11 wins combined over two seasons. When the team wasn’t winning, then at least he’d have his trophies to fall back on. But when Ramsey felt the team was holding him back? Volatility.
It was easier in Los Angeles being surrounded by Donald and Miller. Ramsey was expected to perform, but he didn’t have to be the marquee name for a defensive-lead squad. In fact, for as good as that 2020–2021 Rams D was, they were supremely overshadowed by standout seasons from quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Yes, Ramsey was essential to winning, but are you really going to outmuscle Aaron Donald for captainship? Not in the weight room. Not out at a bar. The man is built like the Incredible Hulk, and I don’t think that’s an overstatement.
When Ramsey arrived in Miami, the team put him in charge of a dysfunctional squad that relied on a high-octane offense while hoping the defense could just hold on. But that strategy repeatedly fell apart. Now, the Steelers have acquired Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
So, what now?
A Steeler Gamble
Well, Jalen Ramsey has always been a competitor. When right, he can still operate as one of the league’s sharpest corners. The question is, is Pittsburgh right for him?
Post-Roethlisberger, Tomlin has led with a defensive-first mindset. Whether that be his natural inclination or because Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky were leading the offense is entirely up to the reader. But if the Steelers believe Ramsey can offer more than Fitzpatrick, and the team can take a much-needed step forward with the addition of Aaron Rodgers, then the Steelers have the potential of being danger-Russ. Sorry, too soon?
The best version of Jalen Ramsey is a brilliant defensive talent, pieced alongside a group of relentless teammates. When the Jaguars made their first conference championship in 18 years? That was the case. When the Rams won their first Super Bowl in 22 years? The same. We’ll wait to see just how motivated Ramsey is to add to his already highly touted resume. The Jalen Ramsey, Steelers 2025 season marks a crucial turning point for both parties.
Main Photo: Kevin R. Wexler – Imagn Images
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