Should Jalen Ramsey remain at safety for the Steelers?
The Steelers have moved Jalen Ramsey to safety for the past two games, but they’re making no commitment to a permanent move. While it’s potentially on the table, there is no reason to rush the decision now. So far this year, he has played every position in the secondary, but hasn’t been full-time at safety until now.
When the Steelers traded for Jalen Ramsey, they reportedly discussed the potential of playing him at safety. He knew this was an option on deck, and he had previously expressed interest in moving to safety. Of course, he still viewed—and views, I imagine—himself as a top-flight lockdown cornerback.
Whether the Steelers view Ramsey as that or not, it doesn’t necessarily mean that moving him to safety isn’t in their best interests. After all, they just lost a starter, DeShon Elliott, for likely the rest of the season. While they added Kyle Dugger, they don’t have another every-down option. It appears they have benched Juan Thornhill, and neither Chuck Clark nor Jabrill Peppers are every-down players anymore.
If Jalen Ramsey and Kyle Dugger are the Steelers’ best safety tandem, they have to strongly consider making this permanent. But they also have to have the answers at cornerback, which may explain their interest in Asante Samuel Jr. They have Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, and Brandin Echols, but Slay is already losing snaps. They have played James Pierre some, and he hasn’t embarrassed himself. There is, in theory, Cory Trice Jr., but his health is also theoretical.
Since the Steelers traded Minkah Fitzpatrick, they have gone through a lot of options at safety, with Ramsey among them. But he has only explored the position before now. Patrick Peterson actually played quite well towards the end of his career. Ramsey could have an entire second chapter there if he really commits to it. He’s spoken about the respect he has for Charles Woodson and Rod Woodson. But he also likes that cornerback paycheck.
After another disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to try it all again in 2025. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers isthe quarterback question. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, but we still have a lot to learn about him. The2025 NFL Draft class could play a big role, but veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey will be paramount.
We are now in the regular season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some big changes. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and figuring out how it all works out.
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