If there’s one NFL team that truly made waves this offseason, it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers. Under the leadership of Mike Tomlin, the franchise didn’t just add major talent — including the high-profile acquisition of Aaron Rodgers — but also made a late splash by bringing in Jalen Ramsey to significantly bolster their defense.
The AFC North is shaping up to be even more competitive than it was last season, and none of its four teams are leaving anything to chance. Strengthening both sides of the field could be the key to gaining an edge in one of the league’s toughest divisions.
If there’s one thing Tomlin understands, it’s that bringing in a player of Ramsey’s caliber — someone who combines elite physical traits with experience and leadership — can have a major impact on the way the game unfolds.
As teams begin making their first moves in preparation for the upcoming season, the veteran head coach took a moment to speak with the media for the first time about the arrival of the former Dolphins star to his roster.
Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Miami Dolphins reacts during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
“He’s long, he’s fast, he’s combative,” Steelers’ HC Tomlin said of Ramsey via Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “His above-the-neck game and feel for the passing game is excellent. He’s physical. People often forget that this guy was probably the best safety prospect in the draft, as well, when he came out, and that just speaks to his talent level and how immense it is.”
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Important roster moves
This isn’t just another season for the Steelers. After years of falling short of the Super Bowl, there’s a growing sense of confidence within the organization that this could finally be the year they reach the long-coveted title game.
Adding high-caliber talent such as Aaron Rodgers, Jonnu Smith, and even DK Metcalf also meant that other key players had to depart. The exits of cornerstone pieces like Minkah Fitzpatrick — along with quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields — present a new challenge for the head coach as he looks ahead to what’s coming.
Ultimately, everything will be decided from the very first snap in Week 1. That’s when this revamped team will show what it’s truly made of — and many believe this could finally be the year.
Pittsburgh’s first challenges
With the main goal of securing positive results from the very start, these are the first challenges that Mike Tomlin and his Steelers will have to overcome to get the upcoming NFL season off on the right foot.
- @ New York Jets, September 7th – MetLife Stadium
- vs Seattle Seahawks, September 14th
- @ New England Patriots, September 21st – Gillette Stadium
- @ Minnesota Vikings, September 28th – Croke Park
- Bye Week
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