Steelers Could Deploy Jalen Ramsey Like Never Before In 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a massive trade to send safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins and in return acquired two key players: tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. This bold move shook up the roster, injecting fresh talent into both the offense and defense. Steelers fans were initially excited about the new additions, but quickly grew concerned about the safety room’s depth after losing a leader like Fitzpatrick.

With Fitzpatrick’s departure, many fans believe Steelers General Manager Omar Khan needs to dive into free agency to sign a veteran safety who can stabilize the secondary and mentor younger players. The safety position is critical to Pittsburgh’s defensive identity, and the sudden void left by Fitzpatrick has raised legitimate questions about the team’s ability to maintain its hard-nosed defensive edge. The urgency to address this gap is felt throughout Steeler Nation as the regular season approaches.

However, former teammate Terron Armstead offered a surprising perspective during his appearance on Nightcap. Armstead believes that Ramsey, who arrived from Miami in the same trade, has the potential to develop into an All-Pro safety for the Steelers by the 2025 season. This unique role could redefine Ramsey’s impact on the team and provide a long-term solution to the safety conundrum. If Armstead’s prediction comes true, Pittsburgh may not need external safety help after all.

"I believe, with the Steelers' cornerback situation, because they just signed Darius Slay, they got Joey Porter Jr. on the other side, I believe they see Jalen Ramsey, who's an incredible corner, but even more so, he's an incredible athlete," Armstead began. "He's smart. He's instinctive. His pursuit is crazy. His ball skill is crazy. I think he's going to safety."

Armstead, who played alongside Ramsey with the Dolphins, knows Ramsey’s game inside and out and fully understands the impact he can bring. Many Steelers analysts expect Pittsburgh to slot Ramsey at the nickel cornerback position, which would create an electrifying trio alongside Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay. 

The prospect of these three forming the Steelers’ secondary tandem has fans buzzing with excitement. However, talk of Ramsey shifting to safety has been gaining momentum recently, and seeing him make that transition would be a thrilling and unexpected development for the team.

"Day one, when he gets to Pittsburgh, I think he's going to safety," Armstead said. "I haven't talked to Ramsey yet, but that's my take. I think day one, when he gets to Pittsburgh, he's going to safety. I think, in his first year, he'll be an All-Pro safety."

Not only did Ramsey’s former teammate predict that he could successfully transition to safety, but he also believes Ramsey would thrive in the role, even going as far as to call him an All-Pro safety in the making. That is a remarkably bold statement for a player who would be moving away from the cornerback position he is best known for dominating. 

Steelers Got A Star In Jalen Ramsey

It speaks volumes about Ramsey’s versatility, football IQ, and athleticism that someone who has played closely with him at the highest level holds such a high opinion of his potential in an entirely new role. Armstead’s confidence in Ramsey’s ability to excel as a safety not only underscores Ramsey’s elite skill set but also hints at a possible game-changing move for the Steelers’ defense that could reshape Pittsburgh’s secondary for the 2025 season and so on.

There has been a lot of speculation about what Ramsey has left in the tank at the age of 30. However, after hearing Armstead’s strong support for Ramsey, maybe the Steelers did get a star after all. He’s certainly hungry and capable of performing at a high level. If he can stay healthy, the secondary in Pittsburgh should be a fun unit to watch in 2025.

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