In a move that has sparked both relief and debate among fans, the Pittsburgh Steelers confirmed that All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey will continue to play at safety heading into Week 10.
After several weeks of experimentation with his positioning, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin made it official — Ramsey will remain in the deep secondary, anchoring the back end of the Steelers’ defense rather than shifting back to his traditional cornerback role.
“Right now, we like where Jalen is,” Austin told reporters Tuesday. “He brings vision, intelligence, and communication to the back end that helps everyone — especially our younger corners. He’s playing fast, and he’s leading.”
Since returning from injury earlier this season, Ramsey has been quietly dominant. His range, tackling, and instincts have stabilized a secondary that was struggling with consistency. According to Next Gen Stats, quarterbacks targeting deep zones against the Steelers have completed just 41% of passes since Ramsey’s shift to safety — one of the lowest rates in the league.
The move has also allowed rising corner Joey Porter Jr. to play more aggressively in man coverage, knowing Ramsey is patrolling behind him. The chemistry between the two has given Pittsburgh’s defense a sharper edge in both coverage and communication.
When asked about the change, Ramsey was as confident as ever.
“I’ll line up wherever they need me,” he said with a grin. “At the end of the day, it’s about making plays and helping the team win. That’s it.”
Fans have embraced his selfless approach, with social media flooded by clips of Ramsey’s open-field tackles and highlight interceptions. While some still believe he’s at his best locking down No. 1 receivers on the outside, most agree that his leadership and versatility have been invaluable to the Steelers’ resurgence.
As the Steelers prepare for their crucial Week 10 matchup, Ramsey’s presence at safety could prove to be the difference. With playoff hopes on the line and the defense peaking at the right time, Pittsburgh knows one thing for sure — when Jalen Ramsey is on the field, every yard is earned the hard way.
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