Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Not Fully Confident In Newly-Acquired Veteran's Ability To Play Natural Position At An Elite Level
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a clear statement to the fan base and everyone throughout the NFL world that the team's leadership believes that it has a group that can win consistently right now. After several blockbuster moves throughout the 2025 offseason, the roster is looking fairly different than it did back in 2024. Most recently, General Manager Omar Khan struck a deal with the Miami Dolphins to acquire both Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, while sending Minkah Fitzpatrick back down South. It was a deal that has had everyone throughout the football sports media world talking in what normally is a rather quiet period.
It's clear that the Steelers no longer wanted to deal with Fitzpatrick's contract, and knew that he still had a ton of value as a trade piece. Khan's ability to bring in not only one, but two difference-makers that will see significant snaps cannot go unnoticed. There is a current hole at the safety position now because of the move, but the team is expected to find a solution to that soon.
One possible option is to allow Ramsey to play safety. He is an extremely versatile defender, and isn't getting any younger. Transitioning to that area of the field may be what is best for the longevity of his career. The corner could also slide into the slot and be used as a nickel. Steelers great Ben Roethlisberger recently spoke about the trade on his latest episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, and isn't certain that Ramsey can be as effective as he once was - on the outside specifically.
"I would imagine he'll play in the nickel," Roethlisberger said. "Bring him inside, a little bit of that, because - is he the same dude that he was as a lockdown corner outside? I don't think."
The good news for Steelers fans is that both Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay can be relied on to be the cornerbacks working on the outsides, while Ramsey can potentially be used as more of a hybrid piece. Pittsburgh will have the opportunity to be very creative with a defense that has a ton of talent on it. Ramsey may not be as quick as he once was, but he is a veteran presence and has the experience that will certainly prove to be valuable.
There could be some depth issues if one of the top three guys gets injured, but that is the reality of the NFL. There are players ready to step up in the event of injury, but the Steelers have to be feeling very confident in their top three corners currently. Ramsey and Slay will also be two phenomenal individuals to have around Porter as he looks to take his talents to the next level in his third professional season.
Khan has not been shy about his goal throughout the 2025 offseason, which means the Steelers already had an idea of Ramsey's age and talents before the trade transpired. The coaching staff absolutely has a plan for him, and if he isn't as effective as he once was on the outside, then fans can expect to see the veteran working in the nickel as Roethlisberger said, as well as in the backend at safety. Overall, the addition is a phenomenal one for Pittsburgh's defensive unit.
Steelers' Defense Has 1 Final Piece To The Puzzle
While safety depth could be looked at as an issue, the number one top priority moving forward needs to be agreeing to terms with TJ Watt on a contract extension. The 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year wants one more big deal in the Steel City, and while it is expected to get done, fans are beginning to get a little anxious. Pittsburgh has proven that it can't win consistently without Watt since 2017, so the final sizable move that needs to get done is Watt getting paid once again.
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