The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense in 2025 was the league's highest-paid unit. They made approximately $158 million as of the start of the 2025 campaign. However, the unit did not perform up to the standards of being the league's most expensive group. The Steelers should make it a point of emphasis to improve the holes on their defense, as they have already with the signing of Jamel Dean. Pittsburgh cannot afford to have a repeat of last year, and they're hoping for their stars to all play at their best to ensure the team's success.
John Bazemore / ap photo
Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean makes a tackle during his time as a Buccaneer.
The Steelers' secondary depth was a cause for concern this offseason, with key free agents set to test the market. Players like James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. were subject to leave. Pittsburgh was able to bring back Samuel, but lost Pierre to the Minnesota Vikings. The Steelers responded by signing Dean as mentioned; however, the team needs to make sure they get all they can out of one of their more expensive pieces.
Steelers beat writer Brian Batko wrote about how the Steelers need to get all they can out of their star defensive back, Jalen Ramsey.
"The Steelers are banking on him [Ramsey] being a better and more impactful player. Never mind that Ramsey had just one interception last season," wrote Batko.
The Steelers brought in Ramsey in a trade last season with the Miami Dolphins and hoped he could be a great running mate with their rising star cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. However, due to adjustments in the secondary because of numerous injuries, Ramsey wound up playing a lot of safety and proved he could handle being a versatile player on the defense. He played every position in the secondary that was needed.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey lines up against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season.
Ramsey was brought in to be an instant impact player. While the aforementioned versatility was a huge bonus, Ramsey commanded a lot of money and required a trade to acquire him. His cap hit sits at $19.5 million this season, according to OverTheCap.com. Ramsey is a huge expense for Pittsburgh, and the defense needs as much out of him as possible to be successful. He only had one interception last year, which is a low mark for him, but the Steelers will utilize Ramsey to his highest potential, whether that's primarily at safety, or as a floater in the secondary.
Ramsey proved that he can be a solid presence for the Steelers' defense as he sets the tone with hard hits and was effective off the nickel blitz. The Black and Gold could benefit from using him in an expanded blitz role and as someone who brings tons of energy. He still has the speed to be able to play centerfield safety as well. While he won't be an outside corner like he was with the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Los Angeles Rams, he still can be a valuable part of the defense, and the Steelers need that from him, especially with the price tag.
The Steelers' Secondary Needs To Be Strong For The Defense To Succeed
The Steelers' secondary played surprisingly well last season despite having to dip into a lot of its depth. They made a big mistake signing Darius Slay to a deal, which ultimately didn't work, and he was released by Pittsburgh. The Steelers need to make sure their secondary holds up, as the defense will need to be stout to succeed.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers defenders Jalen Ramsey (5) and Payton Wilson (41) after a big play during a Monday Night Football matchup in Week 15 of 2025.
Porter was one of the league's best corners last season, and having a player like Dean will help take the load off of him. The Steelers kept Samuel and still have Brandin Echols as depth pieces as well, with Ramsey roaming all around at every position. The Steelers need all of their corners to play at their best to be able to shut down opposing offenses. Ramsey must lead the way.
#SteelerNation