Steelers’ decision to hire Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator could mean the writing is on the wall for All-Pro defender
The details of the Patrick Graham hire in Pittsburgh could lead to an early exit for one Steelers star.
In exactly a month, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be in the weeds of NFL free agency. With plenty of cap space, a new coaching staff, and tons of roster decisions to be made, it could be one of the wildest weeks we have seen in a Steelers’ offseason.
So, it’s time to prepare here at A to Z Sports Pittsburgh. Remember, free agency doesn’t just mean signings and departures; it also means trade season. There just so happens to be one starter in Pittsburgh who fits the trade candidate mold better than anyone on the roster.
Jalen Ramsey is an obvious trade candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Beyond the fact that Ramsey is now in his 30s, is quite expensive, and was only on board with being traded to Pittsburgh because of Mike Tomlin, he may no longer fit in the Steelers’ defensive plans schematically.
Remember, Ramsey was originally brought into Pittsburgh to be a corner who could play some nickel. The early-season bout against the Cincinnati Bengals quickly proved that alignment wouldn’t work. So the Steelers switched Ramsey to safety and started playing more two-high coverages, and magically, the defense improved.
There’s just one problem: Patrick Graham, the new Steelers defensive coordinator, doesn’t play a lot of split safety coverage. I spoke with Justin Churchill of A to Z Sports Las Vegas about why that may be problematic.
Patrick Graham’s defense could be the catalyst for Jalen Ramsey’s departure
“When it comes to coverages, you won’t find a coverage that Graham liked more than Cover 3. He ran it more than any other coverage during his time at the Raiders. Some of that is because, personnel-wise, they didn’t always have the guys to press and play man all game. Other reasons include his ability to disguise things and get guys in the right spots. Considering the type of defenses being played in today’s football, it’s surprising how little Graham played 2-Man. In fact, outside of Cover 0, it was his least run coverage scheme.” – Churchill
So you can see the conundrum the Steelers face. Cover 3 turns into man coverage in a lot of schemes nowadays in the NFL. I’m not sure that Ramsey has the horsepower to stand out there and carry WRs down the boundary anymore.
Then if you’re talking about him as the centerfielder, he’s no prime Minkah Fitzpatrick, evidenced by his lack of turnover creation in 2025. All of these factors, coupled with the biggest one, which will be money, could be why Ramsey is out of Pittsburgh after just a year.
Jalen Ramsey’s departure would save the Steelers a ton of money
If the Steelers we’re to cut or trade Ramsey this offseason, they would free up nearly $20 million in cap space. That would bring the Steelers’ effective cap space to just shy of $60 million, and that’s before any other cuts, trades or departures.
Ramsey is still a high-end player and I would have to imagine he would fetch at least an early-day three pick on the trade block, meaning the writing may be on the wall for Ramsey.
Pittsburgh Steelers News
Joey Porter exposes Steelers’ legend Ben Roethlisberger with telling comments that may hurt his first ballot Hall of Fame bid
Joey Porter didn’t hold back on the Super Bowl-winning quarterback and future Hall of Famer.
