The Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary has looked much improved over the last couple of games. The young cornerbacks are playing their best ball, Jamel Dean has returned from injury, safety DeShon Elliott should be returning soon himself, and nickelback Jalen Ramsey is playing lights out. Ramsey was outstanding during the team's Week 6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has looked like his prime self, turning back the clock and playing like an All-Pro. Pittsburgh's defense has come up with huge plays over the past few weeks, with Ramsey's game-winning sack in Week 6 being one of the best.
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ Patrick Graham speaks with Jalen Ramsey at Acrisure Stadium in 2026.
Ramsey was selected 5th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars back in the 2016 NFL Draft and has been an amazing player for the entirety of his career thus far. Funny enough, he used to give the Steelers plenty of trouble during his four-season tenure in Jacksonville, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and one First Team All-Pro selection. Ramsey quickly became one of, if not the best, cornerbacks in the NFL. In 2019, he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams and signed a record-breaking five-year contract extension worth $105 million. With the Rams, he earned more Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors while also becoming a Super Bowl Champion in 2021. Following his time with the Rams, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins, where he was a solid contributor yet again. Before the 2025 season, Ramsey was traded to the Steelers. During his first season in the Steel City, he earned Pro Bowl honors once again and became one of the leaders of the defense.
So far in 2026, it has been more of the same for the savvy veteran. Ramsey has recorded 37 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 fumble recovery. His performance in Week 6 was by far his best of the season, as he recorded a whopping 10 tackles and 2 sacks, one of which was the game-winner. Ramsey has been all over the field, playing at just about every position on the defense. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has done an amazing job of utilizing Ramsey and has been able to maximize his skill set.
During a recent episode of Kaboly + Mack Live, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly spoke about Ramsey's outstanding play and what he means to the Steelers' defense.
"Ramsey can do everything on the field," Kaboly said. "He had three times as many tackles as Patrick Queen as a defensive back. No knock on Queen, Ramsey has just been great. He is almost making a new position on defense. I do not think too many players can do what he does. He can play safety, in slot, linebacker, and he can blitz. He is probably the most important player on the defense. It has been gold jacket type of play."
With Ramsey's lengthy history of accolades and great play, he surely is a Hall of Fame candidate. It has been amazing to see him continue this elite level of play during his 10th season in the NFL. Ramsey does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) celebrates with Jalen Ramsey (5) after recovering a fumble by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) during the second half at Acrisure Stadium.
With Elliott returning soon, Ramsey should get another boost. He will have the freedom to play anywhere on the defense, with Elliott slotting in at the other safety spot. Graham will have the freedom to line Ramsey up wherever he pleases, so Steelers fans should expect more creative packages featuring Ramsey once Elliott is back.
Steelers' Young Cornerbacks Have Made Ramsey's Job Easier
Cornerbacks Daylen Everette and Asante Samuel Jr. have performed very well in the team's last few games. The cornerback room was predicted to become a major weakness for the team after star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. Aside from the Steelers' loss to the Cleveland Browns immediately following the trade, the cornerback room has played well above the expectations. The two cornerbacks have held their own and looked improved every week. The return of Dean has also really helped the team and Ramsey in particular. Ramsey is now a part of a secondary that allows him to do what he does best, which, in reality, is everything on the field. He can feel confident knowing he has an improving group of defenders around him.
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