Steelers May Ignore Their Biggest Salary Cap Concern

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to go through a period of player turnover not seen in a long time due to their turnover at the head coaching position.

While the team exhibits few major strengths, the biggest weakness of the team certainly comes in the secondary. One player that the Steelers have added in recent seasons who has not been perceived particularly well for his tenure with the team is Jalen Ramsey.

The veteran defensive back was dealt to the team in a trade that also landed controversial tight end Jonnu Smith in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick's return to Miami. Now, Ramsey will enter the second year of a four-year contract he signed upon joining Pittsburgh.

Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker (81) scores a touchdown against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

During his most recent chat with fans, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette expressed his belief that the new regime will retain Ramsey, but a change in his contract situation might be likely. Ramsey's cap hit for 2026 is $17,229,000, which, for the production provided in 2025, would be a pretty expensive value proposition for the team.

"I don't see Ramsey exiting and, yes, they can adjust his cap hit if necessary. But that may not be necessary with the projected huge increase in the salary cap". Dulac wrote.

Ramsey's cap hit only goes up season by season, nearing $20 million in 2027 and over $31 million in 2028, which will be his age 34 season.

The Discussion Around Ramsey

Ramsey is unlikely to leave the team for multiple reasons. First, his contract's size and remaining years combined with his lack of quality production in 2025 make him an unviable candidate for a trade. That being said, his veteran leadership is likely going to come in handy in a transitional period for the team, so whether he continues to start or not, he is likely to be a big part of the Steelers' future plans.

Additionally, despite no flashy stats and inconsistencies, Ramsey was named to the Pro Bowl for 2026, owing to his positional versatility.

Ramsey is certainly one of the big names that the Steelers will have to reckon with this offseason due to his previous performance, current value, and contract situation. His situation differs from that of players like Joey Porter Jr. and Calvin Austin due to his age, and his expensive contract further complicates things as the Steelers try to remain competitive in the face of a league leaving them behind.

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