NFL GM Says Jalen Ramsey's Performance Won't Match Contract After Steelers Trade

One NFL general manager doesn't believe defensive back Jalen Ramsey's performance will match his contract after he was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Pittsburgh Steelers, per comments made to Eric Williams of Fox Sports.

"Seems both teams are just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic," the general manager said to Williams. "Ramsey at safety is intriguing to me, but not at that money. He is still a starting corner but again, his performance will not equal his pay.

"(Minkah) Fitzpatrick is a better safety — younger, cheaper and less drama. I give Miami kudos for rectifying a mistake contract extension from a year ago."

Pittsburgh is getting Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith and a 2027 seventh-round draft choice from Miami for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-rounder.

Ramsey is under contract through 2029 after he inked a three-year, $72.1 million contract extension with the Dolphins before the 2024 season, per Over the Cap.

The nine-year pro, who turns 31 years old in October, started all 17 games for Miami last season, amassing 60 tackles (39 solo), two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and four quarterback hits.

Over his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams and Miami Dolphins, Ramsey has made three All-Pro teams and seven Pro Bowls.

With the addition of Ramsey, the Steelers have a potentially fantastic cornerback trio with him, Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. The defense already was one of the better units of the league, especially with sack artist T.J. Watt leading the way.

Of course, losing a fantastic safety in Minkah Fitzpatrick hurts. He's a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro who just amassed 96 tackles in 17 starts last season. But the Steelers also landed tight end Jonnu Smith, who just enjoyed the best season of his career with 88 catches, 884 yards and eight touchdowns.

Ultimately, we'll find out how this trade starts faring soon enough, with the season just over two months away.