Any hopes of a Jalen Ramsey reunion with the Los Angeles Rams have officially been shut down.
In a surprise twist to what had been a quiet rumor mill, the Pittsburgh Steelers have acquired the All-Pro cornerback from the Miami Dolphins, ending speculation that the Rams might try to bring Ramsey back to Los Angeles.
NFL insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport confirmed the trade on Monday, reporting that not only have the Steelers acquired Ramsey, but they’ve already restructured his contract to give him a raise for 2025.
“Full trade terms per me and @RapSheet
: Dolphins have agreed to trade CB Jalen Ramsey, TE Jonnu Smith and a 2027 7th round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for S Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 5th round pick.
This move officially removes the Rams from the list of potential suitors for their former superstar — a move that had been considered a possibility following Ramsey’s cryptic social media interactions and the Rams’ need for secondary help. But Pittsburgh swooped in instead, bolstering a defense already stacked with elite talent.”
Full trade terms per me and @RapSheet:
Dolphins have agreed to trade CB Jalen Ramsey, TE Jonnu Smith and a 2027 7th round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for S Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 5th round pick. pic.twitter.com/npKjAyEydb— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 30, 2025
Full trade terms per me and @RapSheet:
Dolphins have agreed to trade CB Jalen Ramsey, TE Jonnu Smith and a 2027 7th round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for S Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 5th round pick.
Ramsey played a key role for the Rams during their Super Bowl LVI run, serving as a lockdown force and leader in the secondary. Since his trade to Miami in 2023, rumors of a potential reunion had floated periodically, especially given L.A.’s young and developing defensive backfield.
However, the Rams chose a more patient, draft-heavy approach to building their roster, while the Steelers have gone all-in. Ramsey’s acquisition in Pittsburgh ends that chapter definitively — and leaves Rams fans with only memories of his elite play in horns.
Steelers Going All-In for 2025
The Steelers, meanwhile, are taking big swings. After trading for wide receiver DK Metcalf earlier this offseason and signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh is clearly chasing a Super Bowl in 2025 — likely Rodgers’ final year in the league.
Ramsey joins a cornerback room that already includes Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay, forming one of the NFL’s best secondaries on paper. Even at age 30, Ramsey remains a force — he played 17 games in 2024, logging 60 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 sack, and 11 pass breakups.
What’s Next for the Rams?
The Rams still boast emerging talent in the secondary, but Ramsey’s absence has been felt. Cobie Durant, Quentin Lake, and others have shown flashes, but without a proven shutdown corner, the team may still look to bolster the position ahead of the season — though not with Ramsey.
With the Rams focused on youth and future cap space, it’s unlikely they would have matched the $26.6 million Ramsey will earn with the Steelers next year. Still, the optics of seeing a former franchise cornerstone join another contender may sting.
For Rams fans hoping to see No. 5 back in the blue and gold, it’s time to let go of the reunion fantasy. Ramsey is now a Steeler, and Pittsburgh is gearing up for one of the most aggressive pushes in recent memory.
As for L.A., the path forward will continue to be shaped by youth, smart cap decisions, and player development — just not by one of the most dominant corners in franchise history.
