Ex-NFL GM Sends Steelers Strong Warning About Jalen Ramsey

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a pretty busy offseason, and the most recent move only added to that. General Manager Omar Khan has made it clear he’s taking an aggressive approach, doing everything he can to maximize the one season Pittsburgh will have with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. That mindset led to a bold trade, sending star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith.

With Ramsey now in the Steelers’ secondary, there’s no doubt this group will be one of the most intriguing units on the roster. His experience, physicality, and leadership give the defense a new dynamic, especially when paired with young talent and a strong front seven. If Ramsey stays healthy and fits into Mike Tomlin’s system, Pittsburgh could have one of the most balanced and dangerous defenses in the league.

However, not everyone is sold on the move. Former NFL General Manager Doug Whaley joined 93.7 The Fan on Thursday and raised a major concern about Ramsey’s fit in the Steelers’ defense. Whaley questioned whether Ramsey still has the speed and durability to keep up with top wide receivers in a division loaded with talent. As exciting as the trade may be, Whaley’s warning is a reminder that big names don’t always guarantee big results.

"This is where I struggle with Jalen Ramsey, because he's tall," Whaley said. "Guys that are quick, and especially in that slot, they're gonna be moving, and have a two-way go against a guy whose game is predicated on length."

Ramsey is still performing at a high level, but at 30 years old, his speed isn’t quite what it once was. While he remains one of the smartest and most physical corners in the game, even a slight dip in athleticism can create issues against quicker receivers.

With Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay expected to line up on the outside, Ramsey will likely see most of his action in the slot. That role demands quick changes of direction and the ability to stick with shifty playmakers in tight spaces, which can be challenging for older defensive backs.

That’s exactly why Whaley has concerns about the move. He believes Ramsey could become a target in the middle of the field, especially if opposing offenses work to isolate him in space. While the Steelers are hoping his experience and versatility elevate the defense, Whaley sees potential for him to be exposed.

"They have long, lengthy guys that need to press and get their hands on you," Whaley said. "As an offensive coordinator, I'm going even 10 personnel and having two slot guys. That's how I would attack the Steelers now."

The main issue is that Ramsey is the most versatile option the Steelers have to play the slot, but Whaley believes his skill set is better suited for the outside. With Porter and Slay expected to handle those boundary roles, it wouldn’t make much sense to move either of them to nickelback. That’s where Whaley sees a problem with adding Ramsey, since his best position may already be occupied.

Steelers Could Use Jalen Ramsey At Safety

Some have suggested that Ramsey could play safety. He has experience at the position and is a smart, physical player who could handle the transition. That remains a possibility, but it would still leave the nickelback spot unfilled, and the Steelers don’t have an obvious candidate to take over that role.

It will be interesting to see how the Steelers manage their secondary and deploy their top three corners. Porter, Slay, and Ramsey each bring a different skill set, and how they’re used could determine just how far this defense goes in 2025.

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