Steelers' Jalen Ramsey's New Role In Pittsburgh Will Definitely Involve Safety: "You Want That Versatility"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had quite an exciting 2025 offseason. Of course, nothing seems larger than the fact that Aaron Rodgers is going to be the Steelers' quarterback for the upcoming season. On top of that, General Manager Omar Khan has not been afraid to make bold moves. The most recent blockbuster came when the Steelers traded star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to acquire veteran tight end Jonnu Smith and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Losing Fitzpatrick in the secondary is no small thing, and it left many wondering how the Steelers plan to fill that void. One of the most intriguing possibilities centers on Ramsey himself, with growing speculation that he could shift from cornerback to safety. Given Ramsey’s physicality, football IQ, and versatility, the idea is gaining serious traction.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo added clarity to the situation during a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan. According to Fittipaldo, this is not just offseason speculation. The coaching staff is genuinely considering moving Ramsey to safety in 2025, and if that happens, Pittsburgh’s secondary could be looking at a bold new identity anchored by one of the league’s most dynamic defenders.

"That's not speculation. The Steelers believe he can play safety," Fittipaldo said. "I think that's part of the equation when you acquire a guy like that. You want that versatility in the back end of your secondary. And the nice thing about Jalen Ramsey is you can also play slot corner."

The Steelers losing Fitzpatrick is certainly a blow, but many believe it may have been the right move at the right time. Throughout the 2024 season, Fitzpatrick no longer looked like the dynamic, sideline-to-sideline playmaker fans had grown used to seeing. It was clear he had lost a step, and both Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Khan seemed ready to move in a different direction. 

Trading Fitzpatrick brought in Smith to help the offense and Ramsey to upgrade the defense. For Pittsburgh, it was a deal that addressed multiple needs and added proven talent on both sides of the ball. Many Steelers fans are thrilled about the arrival of Smith and Ramsey but they will miss Fitzpatrick. The first few seasons Fitzpatrick experienced in the Steel City were magical but the last two were a different story.

Ramsey’s arrival gives the Steelers a massive boost in the secondary. His experience, physicality, and versatility make him an ideal fit for a defense that lacked consistency in coverage last season. The ability to play Ramsey at outside corner, in the slot, or even at safety gives the Steelers a level of flexibility that Fitzpatrick no longer provided. 

While the trade may have raised eyebrows, many around the league view it as a smart, calculated move by Khan to reshape the roster without sacrificing top-end talent. Adding Smith also gives Rodgers a reliable veteran target, improving the passing game and red zone offense. Many felt like the Steelers needed to add at wide receiver but it appears that Pittsburgh views Smith as that help.

Steelers' Secondary Appears To Be In Much Better Shape

Looking ahead to 2025, the Steelers' secondary appears to be in much better shape. The unit struggled to deliver in key moments last season, often giving up explosive plays and failing to create takeaways. With Ramsey now in the mix and young players continuing to develop, the defense has added another star-caliber presence capable of locking down receivers and setting the tone. 

Whether he lines up at safety or in the slot, Ramsey brings leadership, instincts, and a winning pedigree. If he performs at the level the Steelers expect, Pittsburgh’s defense could once again become one of the most feared in the league. The Steelers defense is very well compensated but towards the end of the 2024 season. They didn't play like it. Steelers fans are hopeful for a more complete season from this unit in 2025.

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