The Steelers valued the position flexibility of Jalen Ramsey when they acquired him last year. It could help them in free agency now. They may not want him to play outside cornerback full-time, but he can play slot or safety. As a result, Pittsburgh can seek to upgrade either position, with Ramsey taking over the other spot.
Last year, it seemed as though Ramsey was destined for the slot role. When they were in base defense and he played outside, however, he started to look old. Could the Steelers, instead, have him play safety rather than outside cornerback in base, and slot in the nickel?
Jalen Ramsey was certainly one of the most versatile defenders in the league last season. After playing heavily in the slot early on with a sprinkling of safety and a dose of cornerback, he pivoted heavily to safety midseason due to injury.
Overall, Ramsey played 450 snaps at safety, 359 in the slot, and 160 at outside cornerback. He also played another 200-plus snaps in the box or along the defensive line. But the season opener gives a pretty good indication of how the Steelers planned to use him. In that game, he played 34 slot snaps, 12 out wide, 11 at safety, and 7 in the box or along the line.
But last season, Jalen Ramsey showed he can play an entire game at safety, too, so if the Steelers want to sign cornerbacks in free agency, they have that option. They have two free agents themselves in James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. And they have a trio of free agent safeties, with Kyle Dugger being the starter.
Given the stage of Ramsey’s career, though, I don’t think the Steelers should weigh his versatility too heavily when it comes to the draft. He may only play a couple more seasons, even just one. But for a short-term solution, the ability to move him around is a nice advantage on the free agency market.
Last season, Ramsey started every game, registering a career-high 88 tackles. He recorded 4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 1 interception with 8 passes defensed. With a full offseason, and perhaps a clearer focus of where he might play, he could be in a position to make a bigger impact.
Last year, especially, with the Steelers making him move to safety in-season Ramsey was playing some catchup. Even if he does move to safety on a full-time basis, he’ll line up elsewhere. His versatility is still valuable, and the Steelers have options because of it. But there is also value in putting down roots in one spot, and they shouldn’t forget that. Especially if it’s a spot you’re less familiar with.
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