PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Steelers made another headline-grabbing move this offseason, officially signing veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey to a one-year contract following his lone season with the Minnesota Vikings. The addition marks the latest high-profile acquisition in what has been an aggressive offseason for the AFC contenders.
Ramsey, 31, brings one of the most decorated résumés in league history to Pittsburgh. Over 360 career games, the six-time All-Pro has amassed 1,062 tackles, 18 interceptions, 198 deflections, and 8 sacks while playing for four teams across 23 seasons.
“He’s one of the best to ever do it,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “When the chance came to add Jalen, we didn’t hesitate. He’s going to elevate everyone on that side of the ball.”
Ramsey began his 2K Online Franchise career back in Season 9, drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, though official stat tracking didn’t begin until Season 10. From that point forward, he quickly cemented his status as a dominant force in the secondary.
After standout stretches with the Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, and most recently the Miami Dolphins, Ramsey joined the Vikings for Season 32 when contract negotiations with Miami fell through. In Minnesota, he proved he still had plenty left in the tank—starting all 17 games, tallying 56 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 7 pass deflections while helping lead the Vikings all the way to the NFC Championship Game, where they ultimately fell to the Chicago Bears.
Now, Ramsey joins a Steelers squad looking to get over the hump after falling short in the AFC Divisional Round to the eventual Super Bowl champion Houston Texans. He becomes the third major veteran addition of the offseason, joining quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf, both of whom signed one-year deals earlier this spring.
“We’re building something special here,” said Ramsey at his introductory press conference. “I’ve competed against these guys for years. Now I get to suit up with them—and we’ve got one goal.”
Ramsey is expected to start opposite Joey Porter Jr., with Darius Slay Jr. rotating in nickel packages, forming one of the league’s deepest secondaries. The trio will have their hands full in the AFC North, with explosive offenses in Cincinnati and Cleveland, but Ramsey’s experience and swagger may be the missing piece for a defense ready to take the next step.
