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Ravens Challenged As AFC North Rival Makes Blockbuster Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When news broke Monday morning that the Pittsburgh Steelers were trading for disgruntled star cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins, the three other AFC North foes gulped in unison as the division got that much tougher.
Pittsburgh's defense, outside of T.J. Watt, wasn't much of a cause for concern last season, but Ramsey's pairing alongside fellow esteemed corner Darius Slay, who was also acquired this offseason, and promising youngster Joey Porter Jr. makes for a dangerous secondary...
One that could challenge the Baltimore Ravens for the best in the division.
The Steelers may still drag behind in this race as it was reported that fan-favorite safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was included in the rare player-for-player swap with Ramsey. So while the Steelers have put together a fierce trio of cornerbacks, their defensive backfield may still be questionable. Safety DeShon Elliott was extended this offseason, but now Miles Killebrew or Juan Thornhill will have to step up for Fitzpatrick.
Pittsburgh's move for a veteran star cornerback comes nearly a week after the Ravens acquired one of their own.
Baltimore signed former Green Bay Packers star Jaire Alexander after his surprising release this offseason. Alexander, a former All-Pro, reunites with former Louisville teammate Lamar Jackson. He is expected to pair opposite of First Team All-Pro Marlon Humphrey on the outside with last year's first-rounder Nate Wiggins filling in after an impressive rookie season in 2024.
The Ravens' deep coverage has the clear upper hand over the Steelers' by boasting one of the league's best safeties and most promising young players overall in Kyle Hamilton.
The other safety is expected to be Georgia rookie Malaki Starks, who many projected to be the best safety in the 2025 NFL Draft that Baltimore was lucky to fall into their arms late in Round 1. Starks is expected to get plenty of reps in his rookie season after starter Ar'Darius Washington went down with an Achilles tear in May. As a three-year starter in the SEC, many predict that Starks is more than capable of filling in and being a force next to the versatile Hamilton.
General manager Eric DeCosta added depth around these high-caliber pieces by drafting two cornerbacks after the safety Starks. Western Michigan alum Bilhal Kone and Rutgers' Robert Longerbeam were both added in the sixth round. Baltimore also picked up eight-year cornerback Chidobe Awuzie for additional experience and insurance in the secondary.
Pittsburgh's most recent trade adds to an aggressive fury of moves this offseason in adding Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf. The Steelers have made it clear that they are aiming for a deep playoff run in what could be future Hall of Fame quarterback's last NFL season.
Before they think playoffs, Pittsburgh will have a tall task getting through their own division. The Cincinnati Bengals accomplished one of the best passing-game seasons in recent memory behind superstars Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Even more dangerous are the Ravens, who topped the rankings as the most prolific offense in the entire league with over 424 yards per game in 2024. Not only does Baltimore deploy the best running game with Jackson and Derrick Henry, but the aerial weaponry got a boost with former All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins joining an explosive set of receivers and tight ends.
The Ravens may have won the battle over the Steelers for the best secondary, but the war will officially forge in two late-season affairs between the two teams in 2025.
The two heavyweights won't meet until Week 13, just a few weeks before their second matchup in the regular-season finale - a game that could have major AFC North implications as both teams are expected to compete for a championship following their major defensive moves this offseason.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
When news broke Monday morning that the Pittsburgh Steelers were trading for disgruntled star cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins, the three other AFC North foes gulped in unison as the division got that much tougher.
Pittsburgh's defense, outside of T.J. Watt, wasn't much of a cause for concern last season, but Ramsey's pairing alongside fellow esteemed corner Darius Slay, who was also acquired this offseason, and promising youngster Joey Porter Jr. makes for a dangerous secondary...
One that could challenge the Baltimore Ravens for the best in the division.
The Steelers may still drag behind in this race as it was reported that fan-favorite safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was included in the rare player-for-player swap with Ramsey. So while the Steelers have put together a fierce trio of cornerbacks, their defensive backfield may still be questionable. Safety DeShon Elliott was extended this offseason, but now Miles Killebrew or Juan Thornhill will have to step up for Fitzpatrick.
Pittsburgh's move for a veteran star cornerback comes nearly a week after the Ravens acquired one of their own.
Baltimore signed former Green Bay Packers star Jaire Alexander after his surprising release this offseason. Alexander, a former All-Pro, reunites with former Louisville teammate Lamar Jackson. He is expected to pair opposite of First Team All-Pro Marlon Humphrey on the outside with last year's first-rounder Nate Wiggins filling in after an impressive rookie season in 2024.
The Ravens' deep coverage has the clear upper hand over the Steelers' by boasting one of the league's best safeties and most promising young players overall in Kyle Hamilton.
The other safety is expected to be Georgia rookie Malaki Starks, who many projected to be the best safety in the 2025 NFL Draft that Baltimore was lucky to fall into their arms late in Round 1. Starks is expected to get plenty of reps in his rookie season after starter Ar'Darius Washington went down with an Achilles tear in May. As a three-year starter in the SEC, many predict that Starks is more than capable of filling in and being a force next to the versatile Hamilton.
General manager Eric DeCosta added depth around these high-caliber pieces by drafting two cornerbacks after the safety Starks. Western Michigan alum Bilhal Kone and Rutgers' Robert Longerbeam were both added in the sixth round. Baltimore also picked up eight-year cornerback Chidobe Awuzie for additional experience and insurance in the secondary.
Pittsburgh's most recent trade adds to an aggressive fury of moves this offseason in adding Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf. The Steelers have made it clear that they are aiming for a deep playoff run in what could be future Hall of Fame quarterback's last NFL season.
Before they think playoffs, Pittsburgh will have a tall task getting through their own division. The Cincinnati Bengals accomplished one of the best passing-game seasons in recent memory behind superstars Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Even more dangerous are the Ravens, who topped the rankings as the most prolific offense in the entire league with over 424 yards per game in 2024. Not only does Baltimore deploy the best running game with Jackson and Derrick Henry, but the aerial weaponry got a boost with former All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins joining an explosive set of receivers and tight ends.
The Ravens may have won the battle over the Steelers for the best secondary, but the war will officially forge in two late-season affairs between the two teams in 2025.
The two heavyweights won't meet until Week 13, just a few weeks before their second matchup in the regular-season finale - a game that could have major AFC North implications as both teams are expected to compete for a championship following their major defensive moves this offseason.
Related: Ravens' Kyle Hamilton Named to Prestigious List
Related: Ravens Facing Super Bowl-Or-Bust Expectations in 2025
Related: Ravens Facing Super Bowl-Or-Bust Expectations in 2025
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
