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Jalen Ramsey Considers Position Change At Steelers Training Camp

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Karseno | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 5:22 PM ET

Superstar defensive back Jalen Ramsey is present at his first training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers after finally getting traded from the Miami Dolphins this offseason.

Ramsey is one of the many headlining newcomers on the Steelers roster, joining quarterback Aaron Rodgers, receiver DK Metcalf, cornerback Darius Slay, and tight end Jonnu Smith - who was included in the trade with the Dolphins.

In exchange for Ramsey, the Steelers had to give up longtime safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. That void in the deep secondary now raises an intriguing idea of Ramsey potentially showing off his versatility and moving off his customary cornerback position to play safety.

The former All-Pro spoke to reporters about that possibility at camp this week.

"I just want to play football," Ramsey said. "I don't care where I'm at. Corner, safety, slot ..."

This is the team-first answer, of course, but Ramsey's next remarks may be a subtle indication of what he truly thinks of switching positions.

"At the same time, I don't think I'm getting paid what I'm getting paid to not be in the position to effect the game ... and ... be in certain spots, so I'll just say that."

Jalen Ramsey’s response when asked outright if he would play safety. Says he is willing to play wherever, but with a key note at the end.

“I’m not getting paid what I’m getting paid to not affect the game and be in certain spots.” pic.twitter.com/ey8yxjQscP
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) July 23, 2025

Ramsey renegotiated his contract with the Steelers for a four-year, $84.7 million contract that pays him over $21 million APY. That is the sixth-highest total among all defensive backs and fifth-highest among cornerbacks.

Even at 30 years old last year, Ramsey was able to prove that he is still one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He registered a 76.9 overall grade by Pro Football Focus, which ranked 17th among 222 qualified corners. He was also one of the most durable, playing all 17 games and appearing in 1,027 snaps - the 13th most in the league at his position.

Ramsey may be hinting at sticking where he's earned his reputation in the league, but it's worth mentioning that he has been open to this move in the past.

"I wouldn't have any problems moving to safety," Ramsey said on a podcast in 2021.

With the loss of a dependable safety in Fitzpatrick, the Steelers are all of a sudden overloaded in one area of the secondary as Ramsey joins Super Bowl champion veteran Darius Slay and promising youngster Joey Porter Jr.

At free safety, DeShon Elliott returns with a new contract, but his running mate is up in the air. Miles Killebrew or Juan Thornhill are expected to slide up the safety depth chart at the moment.

The defensive back group may draw a lot of eyeballs as training camp gets underway this week.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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