The Dallas Cowboys’ cornerback situation is no longer a quiet concern. It is a flashing red warning light.
Following the release of Trevon Diggs and with DaRon Bland standing as the only proven returning starter, the Cowboys enter the offseason with major uncertainty in their secondary. One proposed solution? A bold trade for Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has floated a trade idea that would send the $84 million veteran to Dallas in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick.
It is not a blockbuster proposal. But it is a fascinating one.
Proposed Cowboys-Steelers Trade Details
The story is that Dallas Cowboys receive CB Jalen Ramsey while Steelers receive 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 150)
The logic behind the proposal is straightforward. Dallas needs versatility and experience in the secondary. Ramsey, even at 31 years old, offers both.
Ballentine notes that Ramsey would likely only command a Day 3 pick because of his age and contract situation. That price tag makes the gamble more digestible for a Cowboys team desperate for defensive stability.
But the move is not without risk.
Why the Steelers Could Move On
Ramsey carries a $19.5 million cap hit in 2026. If the Pittsburgh Steelers trade or release him, they would free up that entire amount without absorbing any dead money.
That financial flexibility makes Ramsey an obvious cut candidate if a trade cannot be arranged.
Last season, Ramsey began primarily as a slot defender before being shifted to safety due to injuries in Pittsburgh’s secondary. The transition was functional but not dominant.
He allowed a 70.4% completion rate and posted a 118.1 passer rating when targeted. Those numbers are far from elite and reflect a player no longer in his All-Pro prime.
Still, context matters. Ramsey has experience playing outside corner, nickel, and safety. Few defensive backs in the league offer that kind of positional flexibility.
For Pittsburgh, the question becomes simple: Is a 31-year-old defender worth nearly $20 million against the cap?
Why the Dallas Cowboys Would Consider It
The Dallas Cowboys are thin at cornerback. There is no dancing around that.
After moving on from Trevon Diggs, Dallas lacks depth and proven production on the boundary. Ramsey would immediately become one of the most experienced players in the room and give defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer multiple deployment options.
He could line up outside opposite Bland. He could rotate into the slot. He could even serve as a hybrid safety in sub-packages.
In a defense searching for identity and flexibility, that kind of chess piece holds real value.
However, the biggest hurdle is financial. Dallas Cowboys would likely need Ramsey to restructure his contract. Alternatively, Pittsburgh might need to absorb part of the salary to facilitate a deal. The Cowboys have historically been cautious about absorbing large veteran cap hits without contractual adjustments.
Is This Realistic?
On paper, the proposed Cowboys-Steelers trade makes sense. Pittsburgh Steelers gains cap relief and draft capital. Dallas gains a versatile veteran presence for a modest pick.
But this would not be the Ramsey of 2018. It would be a calculated, short-term move for a player transitioning from shutdown corner to adaptable defensive weapon.
If the Dallas Cowboys believe they can maximize Ramsey’s versatility while protecting him from exposure in one-on-one matchups, the trade becomes more intriguing. But if they expect prime Ramsey production, they may be disappointed.
The Steelers will explore trade options before considering a release. If Ramsey does hit the market, Dallas could have competition.
Still, in a secondary that desperately needs reinforcement, this proposed Cowboys-Steelers trade is not reckless but opportunistic. And for a team trying to remain relevant in the NFC, opportunism might be exactly what the Dallas Cowboys need.
