Pittsburgh Steelers Face Tough Decisions on Jalen Ramsey's Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently navigating a challenging situation regarding veteran defensive back Jalen Ramsey's contract as they aim to secure extensions for their promising 2023 draft class. After successfully signing Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington, the focus now shifts to Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton, who are poised to receive lucrative deals. However, the Steelers find themselves in a precarious position, ranking last in the NFL in salary cap space, according to Over the Cap. This financial strain is exacerbated by Ramsey's contract, which many consider unjustifiable given his performance. The Steelers traded for Ramsey last offseason, parting ways with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Unfortunately, Ramsey's contract, which carries a staggering cap hit of $19.5 million for the 2026 season, raises questions about his value to the team. Despite being one of the highest-paid defensive backs in the league, Ramsey's performance has not matched his salary. In the 2025 season, he struggled, ranking poorly among safeties and allowing significant yardage and touchdowns. As he approaches his age-32 season, concerns about his declining speed and effectiveness grow. While the Steelers' management, led by Omar Khan, may see potential in Ramsey contributing to their playoff aspirations, the reality is that paying a mid-level starter like him at a top-five defensive back rate is difficult to justify. The Pittsburgh Steelers must carefully evaluate Ramsey's future as they balance their financial commitments and roster needs.