It\u2019s not often a 30-something defensive back almost certainly in the last year of his Pittsburgh Steelers\u2019 career becomes the most interesting man on the roster. But Jalen Ramsey, how the team views and uses him, is an overlooked storyline entering an offseason where the team\u2019s upcoming moves could shape Ramsey\u2019s role.<\/p>\n
After offseason debate, it seems Ramsey will remain a Steeler. Despite an upcoming roster bonus and unmet expectations after being traded last year as Pittsburgh\u2019s shutdown cornerback, GM Omar Khan confirmed<\/a> Ramsey would return for 2026. But Khan admitted he didn\u2019t know where that would be. Pittsburgh has three options.<\/p>\n Outside Cornerback \u2013 The position Ramsey played for most of his career. His large salary is on par with an outside cornerback challenging top receivers like the Cincinnati Bengals\u2019 Ja\u2019Marr Chase. But Ramsey struggled in that role last season, part of a terrible performance by Pittsburgh\u2019s secondary in a primetime loss.<\/p>\n Even the idea of Ramsey playing part-time outside corner seems difficult to square. A lack of speed no longer makes him an alpha on the field.<\/p>\n Nickel Cornerback \u2013 Ramsey\u2019s primary role to begin the 2025 season. He fits well as a big and physical defender who can defend the run, blitz, and take on big slot receivers. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham used CB Nate Hobbs as a full-time nickel corner in Las Vegas, keeping the Raiders in sub-package in nearly every situation. Hobbs acted as the de facto third linebacker.<\/p>\n On paper, Ramsey could be used in a similar way. His skillset is well-suited, though he could still have trouble against smaller and quicker slot receivers.<\/p>\n Free Safety \u2013 The role Ramsey took on mid-way through 2025. A transition many once-great cornerbacks make, Ramsey held his own at a position he hadn\u2019t played full-time since Florida State. Big and physical, he helped erase throws over the middle and made those who caught them pay.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Staying at safety would make him one of the NFL\u2019s most expensive. And it\u2019s far from the idea the team had when they dealt for him. If Ramsey is playing even part-time safety, someone else will need to replace him. Entering free agency, there\u2019s no internal option who can do it.<\/p>\n Odds are, the answer will be a combination of the above. Nickel and free safety. Perhaps an emergency option on the outside if in-game injuries occur. What Pittsburgh does \u2013 or doesn\u2019t do \u2013 to fill in the secondary around him, additions will be added in free agency and the draft, and the development of those brought in, will dictate where Ramsey fits in the puzzle of the Steelers\u2019 defense.<\/p>\n