Steelers Give Fans Clear Answer To Jalen Ramsey's Role On The Defense In 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an uncharacteristically aggressive offseason in 2025 that saw the organization flip many positions on the roster. There were some interesting changes on offense at both quarterback and wide receiver, but the most unexpected changes came on the defensive side of the ball. Pittsburgh parted ways with star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in a deal that brought in Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, helping both the offense and defense. Free safety has been a position that has been talked about a ton since the deal was finalized, and fans have been questioning where Ramsey will fit in on defense.

Ramsey has been known as one of the best cornerbacks in the league since being drafted back in 2016, but he is now on the other side of 30, which makes some skeptical about his ability to play on the outside. He is a versatile player that can line up in the slot, and fans have speculated about whether or not he might make the transition to safety. 

This was one of the more interesting story lines entering training camp ahead of the 2025 season, and fans were able to get a sneak peak at how Pittsburgh might use the newly-acquired player during the first team period in Latrobe.

The veteran cornerback lined up at safety and in the slot, which is what should be expected during the regular season. When the defense is in nickel, it sounds like he will be playing slot cornerback while Juan Thornhill will be at free safety, and Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay will be on the outsides. In the team's base defense, Ramsey was lined up at free safety.

The trio of Ramsey, Porter, and Slay gives Pittsburgh's defense the ability to play man against any offense in the NFL, especially when lined up in the nickel. Ramsey also has impeccable ball skills as he has racked up 24 interceptions in his career, which certainly makes him a threat when lining up deep at safety. 

He has also been known to be aggressive, which shows in his tackling efforts. He will be able to come up while playing safety and help stop the run, as he has been known to take on running back.

The first team-period from training camp isn't always what is going to be seen in Week 1 of the regular season. Things can change, and a lot that will have to do with the opponent the team is preparing to play. There might be some weeks where it makes more sense to have Ramsey line up on the outside in certain situations, which could sent Porter or Slay to the bench, or to the slot or free safety. The three players are going to be fairly interchangeable, but Ramsey is certainly the most versatile.

Steelers' Cornerback Trio Gives Team Best Chance To Compete In 2025

Being able to play man defense is going to be extremely important for the Steelers, especially with the team's schedule in 2025. The organization has to take on the Cincinnati Bengals twice, and they boast the best wide receiver duo in the league with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. 

Pittsburgh also has games against the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Seattle Seahawks, who all feature pretty scary one-two punches at wide receiver. Ramsey, Porter, and Slay give Pittsburgh a great chance to slow down those offenses, especially with the pass rush up front.

The cornerbacks and pass rush are going to be able to play off of one another. The pass rush could force quarterback into making poor decisions, and good coverage will give the pass rushers enough time to get to the passer.

What do you think about Ramsey's role after the first day of training camp practice? Let us know in the comments below!

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