Positional versatility is a theme across the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster. It certainly holds true in their secondary. Jalen Ramsey proved his worth in that regard last year, starting the season as a cornerback and later moving primarily to safety.
New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has a couple of chess pieces as his disposal, Ramsey the most notable. But heading into his second year in Pittsburgh, one role sticks out to the Athletic’s Dave Helman.
“There’s a lot of theorizing going around, that Jalen Ramsey might be the Steelers’ full-time nickel this year. Or at least play a lot of his snaps in the nickel. And I think that could make a lot of sense for a guy with his physicality, his willingness in the run game, at this stage in his career…I would love to see what Jalen Ramsey could look like in a role like that,” Helman said Wednesday on his Athletic Football Show.
Ramsey certainly does have the makings of a nickel corner – a role he’s gotten reps at throughout his career. As a physical, bigger defender, it would be tantalizing to see Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean on the field together.
However, Jalen Ramsey did play nickel during the 2025 season. And he certainly wasn’t part of a talented cornerback trio at that time. Last season saw Ramsey give up his highest completion percentage (70.4 percent), his third-highest yards allowed total (686), and his worst passer rating allowed when targeted (118.1) of his career. He’s still a very talented defender. But heading into his age-32 season, the scheme will need to help him out more than it did last year.
Which is why moving him around might work. The Steelers have talent at safety, but the group has questions. Without Ramsey spending time at safety, Pittsburgh has DeShon Elliott, who’s coming off a major knee injury. The Steelers also have Jaquan Brisker, who missed 12 games in 2024 with a concussion, and Darnell Savage, who’s dealt with several injuries the last few years. Behind them are Robert Spears-Jennings and Sebastian Castro, each of whom inspire some hope but obviously have little experience.
That’s not to say it’s impossible for the safety room to pan out regardless. Even if Ramsey doesn’t spend any time there, the group still has a lot of talent. And with Patrick Graham using nickel coverage often throughout his time as a defensive coordinator, nickel is a role Ramsey will see plenty of time at.
However, the Steelers have enough talent to get creative. When Ramsey’s not in the slot, the Steelers could play someone like Brandin Echols, or even Daylen Everette there. Jalen Ramsey and Jaquan Brisker would each benefit from moving around the defense and keeping opposing offenses guessing. To Helman, a nickel corner role, specifically, is the best route for Ramsey.