Introduction
The NFL offseason is always buzzing with roster moves. For fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 2025 season looms large with bold acquisitions, speculative signings, and trade chatter—especially those tied to the Cleveland Browns. In this deep-dive, we unpack the Steelers’ latest trade moves, free-agent additions, rumored targets, and mention of all things Cleveland.
1. Major Trades and Impact Moves
a) Jalen Ramsey & Jonnu Smith Trade
In one of the biggest offseason moves, the Steelers acquired three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. In exchange, Pittsburgh sent star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 draft pick to Miami. Ramsey, known for his versatility and physical play, joins a strong secondary that includes Darius Slay Jr. and Joey Porter Jr., while Smith fills a tight end void and signed a one-year, $12 million extension.
Impact: This trade signals the Steelers’ aggressive intent to capitalize on quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ remaining prime window and bolster both defense and offense immediately.
b) Aaron Rodgers Signing & DK Metcalf Trade
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined Pittsburgh on a one-year deal—a high-profile addition that elevates expectations for 2025. The Steelers also traded for Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf from Seattle, enhancing Rodgers’s arsenal.
2. Key Free-Agent Additions & Roster Moves
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Darius Slay (CB) signed in free agency to boost the secondary.
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Several role players added: Malik Harrison (LB), Juan Thornhill (S), Brandin Echols (DB), Kenneth Gainwell (RB), Donald Parham Jr. (TE), among others.
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Depth and special teams signings: players like Lew Nichols III (RB), Kevin Foelsch (TE), Kyler Baugh (DT), Tucker Addington (LS), and Chuck Clark (S) were added.
These moves serve as both insurance and developmental depth for Pittsburgh’s competitive roster.
3. Rumors, Speculation & Looking Ahead
a) Searching for Offensive Playmakers
With DK Metcalf now the primary WR and George Pickens traded, analysts suggest Pittsburgh might pursue another top-tier wide receiver. Targets include Odell Beckham Jr., Terry McLaurin, or even trade scenarios for Chris Olave.
b) Internal Trade Rumors
Reports suggest the team has explored multiple trade conversations for offensive weapons, including possible work on a deal for Miami’s Jonnu Smith prior to the finalized trade. Rumors of interest in versatile CBs like Jaire Alexander were also floated, ultimately leading to the Ramsey acquisition. Steelers signings trade Cleveland.
4. Connecting to Cleveland: Did the Steelers Sign Anyone from the Browns?
Let’s examine any Cleveland-related movements:
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Former Steelers WR Diontae Johnson signed with the Cleveland Browns on April 28, 2025, but he came to Cleveland—not the other way around.
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There were no high-profile Cleveland-to-Pittsburgh player signings or trades reported in the 2025 offseason.
So, while Johnson’s move connects the teams historically, the Steelers did not sign any players directly from Cleveland this year.
5. Summary Table: Steelers’ 2025 Offseason Moves
| Category | Key Moves |
|---|---|
| Major Trades | Jalen Ramsey & Jonnu Smith acquired from Dolphins |
| High-Profile Signing | Aaron Rodgers (QB) & DK Metcalf (WR via trade) |
| Free Agents Added | Darius Slay, Malik Harrison, Juan Thornhill, Brandin Echols, etc. |
| Depth Signings | Nichols III, Addington, Baugh, Clark, etc. |
| Rumored Targets | OBJ, Chris Olave, Terry McLaurin, Jonnu Smith (pre-trade discussions) |
| Cleveland Connections | Diontae Johnson moved to Browns; no reverse signings |
FAQs
Q1: Did the Steelers sign anyone from the Cleveland Browns in 2025?
A1: No. While ex-Steelers WR Diontae Johnson signed with the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers did not sign any players from Cleveland during the 2025 offseason.
Q2: Who did the Steelers acquire in major trades this offseason?
A2: The Steelers traded for All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith, sending Minkah Fitzpatrick and a draft pick to Miami.
Q3: Have the Steelers signed any standout free agents?
A3: Yes—they signed CB Darius Slay and several defensive and offensive role players such as Malik Harrison, Juan Thornhill, Kenneth Gainwell, and more.
Q4: What rumored additions might still be in play?
A4: Analysts suggest possible targets include OBJ, Terry McLaurin, or Chris Olave. Preliminary discussions also occurred about Jonnu Smith before the trade.
Q5: Why all the aggressive moves by Pittsburgh?
A5: With veteran QB Aaron Rodgers signed, the Steelers are making championship-mode investments—upgrading key roster areas both on offense and defense to maximize their Super Bowl window.
Conclusion
The 2025 offseason has been transformative for the Pittsburgh Steelers. With marquee trades, strategic free-agent signings, and aggressive maneuvering, Pittsburgh is crafting a roster built for contention. The Cleveland connection remains one-way this year—no players have moved over from the Browns to the Steelers. Yet fans and pundits alike will continue watching every rumor and transaction as training camp heats up.
