The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very interesting 2025 season, to say the least. General Manager Omar Khan loaded up the roster in the 2025 offseason, putting the Steelers in a very odd spot: all while also building for the future. He especially loaded up the secondary, bringing in Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay to help solidify the backend of the defense. These moves certainly did not work out the way the Steelers had hoped. Slay was cut mid-season, and Ramsey, who wasn't terrible, found himself picked on in games. Ramsey played all over the place in 2025; inside corner, outside corner, safety. You name it, he played it.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey gets ready for the snap during a home game against the Miami Dolphins in 2025.
The Steelers had injuries in the secondary and underperforming veterans. They had a mid-season overhaul, with Asante Samuel Jr, James Pierre, and Kyle Dugger being the new starters by the end. Dugger was acquired just before the trade deadline after a season-ending knee injury to Deshon Elliott. The Steelers became extremely thin at free safety and were forced to move Ramsey to that spot full-time.
The move looked good at first. His first game there, the unit shut down the number one offense at the time, the Indianapolis Colts, in a huge win off the back of the defense. As the season went on, this wasn't always the case for the safeties. They only got worse as the season progressed, becoming a huge liability for the Steelers' defense. Ramsey, in particular, was a main culprit of this.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey before Pittsburgh's Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report wrote an article on one potential trade for every NFL team. He linked Ramsey to the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth-round draft pick. Ramsey is 31 and has a monster cap hit of $19,500,000 — for what he produced in 2025; that's way too high.
"There is risk in trading for Ramsey. He's 31 and was moved to safety in the latter half of the season in Pittsburgh. However, it probably would only cost a Day 3 pick given his price tag and age," Ballentine wrote. "Even if the Cowboys have to keep him at safety, he would bring playmaking and leadership to the secondary."
Ramsey was underwhelming in 2025, recording only one interception. The Steelers sent away Minkah Fitzpatrick in order to acquire Ramsey due to his lack of turnovers. Well, it seems nothing changed with Ramsey back there.
Ramsey, at times, looked slow in coverage. It doesn't help that he was learning a new position on the fly. Ramsey played his best in the slot when he was closest to the line of scrimmage. He was more effective in run support while also covering the team's tight ends.
The Steelers' defensive staff used Ramsey very poorly last season, asking him to run with a team's number one wideout at 31 is outrageous. If the Steelers decide to keep Ramsey in 2026, things could be a little different for the former All-Pro.
Steelers' DC Patrick Graham Could Be The Key
The Steelers have a mostly brand-new defensive coaching staff for the 2026 season. Mike Tomlin resigned following the team's blowout loss to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round. Mike McCarthy has taken his place, bringing in a fresh new staff.
McCarthy hired Patrick Graham as his defensive coordinator after they worked together with the Green Bay Packers. Graham is a respected coach widely known around the league and could be the key for the underachieving players on the Steelers' defense.
Steve Marcus / Getty Images
Steelers' new Defensive Coordinator, Patrick Graham, during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Graham is known for adapting his scheme to his personnel. He's a big help to the guys in the front seven, but he can also help the backend tremendously. He runs more cover four (quarters) than the Steelers have seen in the past.
This would give Ramsey much less responsibility, especially if he stays at the safety spot. Ramsey could still flourish as a safety under a new coach who will let him play to his strengths. He also has plenty of talent around him; he doesn't need to play hero ball anymore.
It's unknown what the Steelers intentions are with Ramsey for 2026, but it will be tough to move him for just a fifth-round pick after what they gave up to get him. Ramsey wasn't great in 2026, but he can still contribute as a veteran presence and make plays under the right management.
#SteelerNation