The Pittsburgh Steelers’ plans for highly-paid cornerback Jalen Ramsey are coming into sharper focus as the team navigates the final stages of the NFL offseason. While brought in last year with the expectation of being a cornerstone of the secondary, Ramsey’s role appears to be evolving, driven by his performance and the Steelers’ strategic moves in free agency and heading into the NFL Draft. The team’s actions suggest Ramsey will primarily function as an overpaid slot cornerback, with potential snaps at safety, a far cry from the shutdown corner they envisioned when acquiring him from the Los Angeles Rams.
Ramsey arrived in Pittsburgh as part of a trade in March 2023, sending the Steelers second- and third-round picks. The hope was that he would solidify a cornerback room that had been a question mark in recent seasons. However, his performance in 2023 didn’t live up to expectations. Pro Football Focus graded Ramsey at 66.4, his lowest grade since 2016, and he allowed a 66.7% completion percentage when targeted, according to ESPN Stats & Info. His athleticism, once a defining trait, appeared to be in decline, making him vulnerable against top wide receivers.
Shifting Roles and Free Agency Signals
The Steelers began to adjust Ramsey’s position mid-season, moving him from outside cornerback to the slot and, at times, to safety. This positional flexibility, while showcasing Ramsey’s versatility, also hinted at a lack of confidence in his ability to consistently cover elite receivers on the perimeter. The team’s moves in free agency have further solidified this shift in strategy. The signing of veteran cornerback Jamel Dean, a player with a proven track record as an outside corner, signaled that the Steelers were no longer relying on Ramsey to fill that role. Dean signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Steelers in March 2024, according to Spotrac.
Bringing back Asante Samuel Jr. On a one-year deal also provides depth at the outside cornerback position. Samuel, who had a promising rookie season before being injured, offers a potential long-term solution at the position. These moves, combined with the addition of safety Jaquan Brisker, suggest the Steelers are building a secondary where Ramsey’s skillset is best utilized inside.
Draft Strategy Points to Slot Role
Pittsburgh’s pre-draft activity further reinforces the idea that Ramsey will be primarily a slot corner. Reports indicate the Steelers have shown significant interest in cornerbacks with size and length, specifically during visits with the cornerbacks from Washington – Jabbar Muhammad and Elijah Jones. These players are viewed as potential outside cornerbacks, leaving Ramsey to compete for snaps in the slot. According to a report from Steelers Now, the team has hosted several cornerbacks known for their size and physicality, indicating a clear preference for players who can excel in man coverage on the outside.
The possibility of Ramsey also seeing time at safety remains. The addition of Brisker provides competition and depth at the safety position, but Ramsey’s versatility could allow defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to utilize him in various roles. A safety rotation, featuring Ramsey, Brisker, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, could provide the Steelers with a flexible and adaptable defensive backfield.
The Cost of Versatility
Despite the strategic adjustments, Ramsey remains one of the highest-paid players at his position. His current contract, worth $20 million per year, makes him the highest-paid slot defender in the league, according to OverTheCap.com. While the Steelers were obligated to pay his roster bonus earlier this year, the value he provides relative to his salary is now a significant concern. The team is essentially paying top-tier money for a player who is being deployed in a role that doesn’t necessarily maximize his strengths.
The situation raises questions about the long-term viability of Ramsey’s contract. While the Steelers have shown a willingness to be patient, his performance and the team’s investment in other defensive backs could lead to difficult decisions down the line. It’s a situation that many fans hoped wouldn’t materialize, as Ramsey was once considered a premier cornerback in the NFL. His decline in play, coupled with the team’s strategic shifts, has transformed him into a potentially overpaid piece of the puzzle.
The Steelers’ defensive strategy is clearly evolving, and Jalen Ramsey’s role within that strategy is becoming increasingly defined. While he may not be the shutdown corner they initially envisioned, the team is attempting to maximize his value by utilizing his versatility in the slot and potentially at safety. The coming weeks, particularly the NFL Draft, will provide further clarity on how the Steelers plan to build their secondary around Ramsey and the new additions they’ve made.
The Steelers will continue to evaluate their defensive backfield throughout the offseason and into training camp. The team’s next major checkpoint will be the conclusion of the NFL Draft, where they may add further pieces to the puzzle. Fans can stay updated on the Steelers’ roster moves and training camp schedule on the team’s official website, steelers.com. What are your thoughts on the Steelers’ plans for Jalen Ramsey? Share your opinions in the comments below.
