Aaron Rodgers has brought plenty of buzz to Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, but he’s not the only new arrival.
The veteran quarterback dominated headlines throughout the offseason, and made everyone wait before eventually landing in the Steel City for what could be his final NFL season.
5
Rodgers signed his one-year, $13.65 million contract on June 7, and a couple of weeks later, the Steelers turned attentions to their defense by trading for Jalen Ramsey.
The 30-year-old cornerback, who quickly established himself as one of the best in his position after being taken fifth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, spent his previous two seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
A seven-time Pro Bowler who has been named to the NFL Top 100 Players list in the last seven years, Ramsey also won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.
He agreed to part ways with the Dolphins at the end of a disappointing 2024 season, and now has hopes of helping the Steelers put together a much-needed playoff run as he plays under a four-year, $84.7m deal.
With the acquisitions of Rodgers and Ramsey, expectations are high in Pittsburgh, even though the franchise hasn’t won a postseason game since 2017.
Four-time league MVP Rodgers has already been impressing his teammates with his attention to detail in camp, while Ramsey has this week landed big praise from T.J. Watt, who earlier this month signed a three-year, $123m extension with the Steelers.
“It’s been huge,” the star edge rusher told Pat McAfee of Ramsey’s early impact.
“And it goes both ways. I mean, he’s the Swiss Army knife of our defense right now.
“You’re going to see him play in every position. You’re going to see him play a man.
“And any time those guys lock down just for an extra half a second, we love it because it allows us to get to the quarterback.”
5
5
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also shared his verdict on Ramsey after Watt described him as a ‘Swiss Army knife’.
Tomlin explained: “He brings a demeanour that’s contagious.
“His versatility, obviously, as you guys have seen today, but his attitude, his approach to business, his professionalism.
“This guy is impressive in the classroom as he is on the grass. I’ve been blown away.”
Ramsey makes statement on Steelers practice field
As well as impressing his teammates and coach with his early work ethic and versatility, Ramsey is also making a statement the moment he steps onto the field.
In footage shared by the Steelers on social media, the cornerback was seen high-fiving young fans as he walked out, with a five dollar bill attached to the back of his jersey.
5
5
He has previously explained why he did the same, with a $20 bill, back in 2019 with the Jags.
“It’s just swag,” Ramsey said at the time.
“Every time I go out there I’m trying to make some money.
“I’m number 20, so I chose a $20 bill.”
Given he is wearing the No. 5 in Pittsburgh, it makes sense that he’s swapped out the bill he attaches to his jersey.
Ramsey’s mindset to ‘make money’ every time he steps out on the field, as well as his defensive versatility, will no doubt be beneficial for the Steelers as they look to put together a deep playoff run this season.
Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our NFL Facebook page, subscribe to our talkSPORT End Zone YouTube channel for all the offseason news, interviews and more
