The Steelers Are Going All In on Rodgers’ Final Season

With the Steelers doubling down on their all-in approach, are there more moves to consider to help achieve their goal of winning a Super Bowl?

Analyzing the Jalen Ramsey Trade

In a shocking move, the Steelers acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey in return for free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, it’s the first time since 2002 that two players with at least five Pro Bowl selections have been traded for one another. Fitzpatrick returns to the team that originally selected him in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Ramsey, a three-time All Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, enters the Steelers’ secondary offering positional versatility. He can play outside corner, in the slot, and at safety.

Following Fitzpatrick’s departure, the secondary now consists of Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Beanie Bishop, Brandin Echols, DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill. Adding Ramsey allows the Steelers to “play chess” and put their best players on the field.

With safeties like Julian Blackmon, Jordan Whitehead and Justin Simmons available in free agency, signing one could complete the secondary. Adding a third safety is key for Pittsburgh to reach its full potential in three-safety sets.

One player to watch in training camp this summer is undrafted free agent Sebastian Castro. Coming from Iowa and Big Ten play, he could fit the Steelers mold of tough-nosed football.

Only time will reveal the Steelers’ blueprint for their secondary—and its role this season.

How Will Jonnu Smith Fit the Steelers’ Offense?

Also included in the Jalen Ramsey trade was Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith. In exchange, the Steelers sent a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Smith is coming off a Pro Bowl season with 884 yards and eight touchdowns on 88 receptions. He can add playmaking ability and versatility. Not only can he fill the traditional tight end role, but he can line up in the slot like a wide receiver.

Joining a room with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, the Steelers can now use more three-tight-end sets. This gives Pittsburgh more flexibility in its play-calling under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Jonnu Smith has played under Arthur Smith on multiple teams, most recently during a brief stint in Atlanta in 2023, and earlier for a couple of seasons in Tennessee.

While Smith gives the offense another pass-catching option, Pittsburgh is still looking to add another receiver. The Steelers’ aggressive offseason makes it clear they want as many offensive weapons as possible.

Potential Wide Receiver Targets for the Steelers

This offseason, the rumor mill for the Steelers has been anything but quiet, especially when it comes to wide receivers. Amid all the noise, here are some realistic targets the Steelers could pursue.

The first receiver is free agent Tyler Boyd—a savvy veteran who once played college ball for the Pittsburgh Panthers. A homecoming could be in the cards, and for a good reason.

Boyd spent last season with the Titans after seven years with Cincinnati. Though his production in Tennessee was underwhelming, Boyd still has plenty of good snaps left in the tank.

In his last two seasons with Cincinnati, Boyd showed he can complement stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. He’s a team-first player who plays with heart.

Given his interest in playing for the Steelers, he could be a realistic target.

Another option to consider is free agent Amari Cooper, who finished last season with the Buffalo Bills after a midseason trade from the Cleveland Browns.

Though last season didn’t go as planned, he can still be a threat on the outside. Just two seasons ago, he posted 1,250 yards and five touchdowns despite playing with multiple quarterbacks in Cleveland.

While health is sometimes a concern, Cooper would be a strong fit alongside D.K. Metcalf and Calvin Austin. Add in Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth and Jaylen Warren, and the Steelers’ offense could pose a serious threat to opposing defenses.

At only 31, Cooper still has some valuable snaps and experience to contribute.

A third receiver that Pittsburgh could target is free agent Gabriel Davis. Davis, the former Bill and Jaguar, recently visited Pittsburgh and reportedly enjoyed the trip.

With Jacksonville embracing a youth movement with Brian Thomas Jr. and rookie Travis Hunter, the Jaguars and Davis parted ways. Despite a down year, Davis proved he can be a productive receiver in Buffalo. If he signs, it may not happen until closer to training camp.

The final player to consider is Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin. With contract talks stalling, he remains an attractive option.

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers have 12 picks they could use to acquire big-name talent like McLaurin. Adding him to this new-look offense would create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.

Coming off a season with 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns, his playmaking would be a valuable asset both now and for the future.

The only potential conflict is that the Steelers would need to extend McLaurin, and that might conflict with T.J. Watt‘s ongoing contract negotiations. Aside from that, McLaurin is certainly an option to consider.

The Window is Now

With the Steelers making moves left and right, another splashy addition would come as no surprise. With their eyes set on a 2025 Super Bowl run, they will continue to explore ways to improve their roster.

A trend worth noting is that they’re bringing in players who play hard and with passion. For Mike Tomlin and his staff, it appears that the 2024 Wild Card loss still haunts them.