Jalen Ramsey just wants to contribute to his new team, according to a Pittsburgh Steelers veteran who’s chatted with the cornerback since the blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins.
“Just talking to Jalen so far, Jalen just wants to play ball,” Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward said during an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show” on Wednesday. “Jalen wants a chance to compete at the highest level, and we’re gonna do whatever we can to foster that. We’re gonna put him in the right situations.”
The Steelers acquired tight end Jonnu Smith and Ramsey in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and late-round pick swap. It was a deal Heyward could get behind given Ramsey’s talent, despite the fact he was bummed about Fitzpatrick being sent from the Steel City to South Beach.
Heyward was asked about the typically outspoken nature of the seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback. Heyward, who’s spent 14 seasons in Pittsburgh’s locker room, doesn’t forecast any problems and anticipates Ramsey will put the team first. He believes differing personalities are a part in every locker room.
“Sometimes coaches kind of run from those situations and say, ‘Man, that guy can be a headache,'” Heyward said. “It doesn’t matter if a guy is a headache, we can still win with a guy and he can be a part of it and be a positive contributor. I think sometimes you’ve got to welcome what all a player brings because that’s what makes a good team.
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“It’s not like all good teams never have headaches or all good teams never have players that are different. You’ve got to let players be the players, go out there and try to mesh as a team.”
The Steelers will begin to start meshing as they begin training camp next week.
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