Jalen Ramsey
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Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan said during an appearance on NFL Network that Jalen Ramsey will be with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026.
The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired former All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey just last year. But few will seemingly be surprised if he is on the move again this offseason.
Over the first six weeks of the offseason, NFL pundits have made Ramsey the subject of significant trade rumors. The defensive back will turn 32 years old during the 2026 season and have about a $17.23 million cap hit.
Pundits, though, can all but put the trade speculation to rest. Steelers general manager Omar Khan told NFL Network’s Judy Battista on Tuesday that he doesn’t intend to trade Ramsey.
“I know this coaching staff is excited to work with him,” said Khan on NFL Network’s The Insiders, via Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora.
When asked specifically about Ramsey’s future, Khan said:
“He will be a Pittsburgh Steeler, yeah.”
In his first season with the Steelers, Ramsey posted 88 combined tackles, including four tackles for loss. He also had eight pass defenses, three sacks and one interception.
Omar Khan Says Jalen Ramsey Staying With Steelers in 2026
Things change quickly in the NFL. One has to believe that if another contender, particularly one in the NFC, makes a terrific offer for Ramsey, the Steelers might be interested.
But on Tuesday, Khan couldn’t have been much clearer that that’s not the team’s intention.
The Steelers have an expensive, aging defense. Trading Ramsey for a draft pick would help dump salary and make the unit younger.
But it wouldn’t help the team’s immediate future. Despite not winning a playoff game since 2016 and major uncertainty at quarterback, the Steelers have continued to operated as a contender every year.
If the Steelers bring back quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they will have little incentive to make moves that hurt their ability to win in 2026. Trading Ramsey would do that.
Ramsey was one of the top cornerbacks in the league with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams from 2016-22. During that time, he made first-team All-Pro three times.
Ramsey has continued to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player. He made the NFL’s All-Star contest again in 2025.
But overall, Ramsey was inconsistent with the Steelers last season. He made some big plays in key moments, such as the big hit to cause an incompletion late in the fourth quarter to secure a Week 1 victory against the New York Jets.
Ramsey, though, was also burned in coverage over the course of the season.
At Pro Football Focus, Ramsey registered a 64.4 overall player grade. He excelled in run defense and tackling but posted a below average coverage grade.
Where Will Ramsey Play on 2026 Steelers Defense?
One of the main reasons the Steelers acquired Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins last season was his versatility. Khan again emphasized that trait while talking about the veteran Tuesday.
“I can’t say enough about Jalen and his approach to the game, and how good of a teammate he’s been,” Khan added. “He works hard, and I love his versatility.
“Last year, early in the year, we asked him to switch to the free safety position, and he did it. He hadn’t practiced it. I think we will have a decision about where on the field he’s gonna play this year.”
Ramsey played all over the Steelers secondary in 2025. Over the first seven games, he primarily lined up at slot corner. But starting in Week 10, he mostly played free safety the rest of the season.
Overall, the eight-time Pro Bowler played 450 snaps at free safety, 359 snaps at slot cornerback and 160 at outside cornerback.
At Ramsey’s age, it’s probably best he begin to focus mostly on safety. But his versatility will provide the Steelers some flexibility.
Khan could add either a cornerback or safety in free agency. Then, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham could move Ramsey around to the position of greatest need.