Followers needed the Pittsburgh Steelers to begin doing issues in another way. Whether or not they approve of the strikes made by Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin or not, they’ve gotten their want. The most recent shocking huge transfer got here earlier this week when Pittsburgh despatched Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in trade for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. Based on Brian Baldinger, the Steelers gained that commerce.
“I really feel just like the Steelers gained this commerce,” Baldinger stated on The Greatest Soccer Present on Tuesday. “Nevertheless, the mix you’ve got. Jalen [Ramsey] can play the star place inside. You consider [Darius] Slay can play the left nook, Joey Porter can play the fitting nook, Beanie [Bishop] might be, you realize, their fourth nook if wanted… I feel the Steelers obtained quite a bit higher within the secondary.”
Will probably be fascinating to see how the Steelers work all their cornerbacks in, however it’s a great downside to have. Pittsburgh had a strong duo in Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay already, with Beanie Bishop Jr. holding down nickel nook earlier than the transfer. Now, they could need to play some musical chairs. However with Jalen Ramsey in a position to play in any respect of these positions, it shouldn’t be too exhausting.
Issues may get extra sophisticated if Ramsey finally ends up spending time at security. It’s a spot that actually obtained weaker with Fitzpatrick leaving, though DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill may kind a great duo collectively. With Ramsey turning 31 this 12 months, doubtlessly transferring to security is one thing he’ll have to consider. It’s a transfer many corners make as they age in hopes of extending their careers, however it’s not simple to do. Contemplating Ramsey’s age and the larger want at security with Fitzpatrick gone, it needs to be thought of.
For what it’s value, Baldinger didn’t suppose the Steelers had been getting particularly good security play with Fitzpatrick anyway.
“He’s been a fantastic participant,” Baldinger stated of Fitzpatrick. “However truthfully, he’s obtained one takeaway within the final two years. It’s one of many the explanation why Pittsburgh was prepared to ship him out. I imply, he was a face of this Steelers’ franchise for certain… Let’s face it. Pittsburgh, their greatest security final 12 months was DeShon Elliott.”
Baldinger’s reward for Elliott isn’t new, as he made an identical comment earlier this week shortly after the commerce. However he does have a good level concerning him. Whereas it could be a stretch to assert Elliott’s a greater general participant proper now than Fitzpatrick, he does many issues properly.
Elliott is particularly good towards the run, which will probably be essential if Jalen Ramsey finally ends up taking part in security. Ramsey is nice in protection and isn’t petrified of contact. Nevertheless, he missed 14.3 % of his deal with makes an attempt in 2024, a career-high. Thornhill had success with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs earlier in his profession, however didn’t play properly with the Cleveland Browns final 12 months. Elliott’s energy in run protection may assist masks a few of these points for Ramsey and Thornhill.
We’ll have to attend and discover out whether or not the Steelers actually win the commerce. For now, there’s motive to imagine they obtained higher within the secondary, as Baldinger suggests. Jalen Ramsey brings higher go protection than Fitzpatrick and is extra positionally versatile. If he could make the transition to security, Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin may have a world of prospects on their arms defensively.
