As the Pittsburgh Steelers approach their new season, defensive back Jalen Ramsey has expressed his openness to playing multiple positions, embracing what team executives describe as “position flexibility.” This adaptation comes after the surprise trade of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, which has reshaped the team’s defensive landscape and prompted adjustments among key players. Ramsey’s willingness to take on various roles is seen as a critical element in the Steelers’ preparation for a season full of unexpected changes.
General Manager Omar Khan emphasized the strategic value of acquiring versatile Pro Bowl talents like Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. Khan explained that these players bring the ability to perform effectively at multiple spots on the field, a factor that aligns with the team’s evolving defensive schemes and offensive versatility. Head Coach Mike Tomlin recalled having Ramsey rated as the top safety and corner during his arrival from Florida State, highlighting his capability to contribute in outside, slot, and sub-package coverage roles.
Ramsey’s Readiness to Impact Across the Field
When asked directly about his role in the defensive backfield, Jalen Ramsey stated,
“I am willing to play wherever. I’m not getting paid what I’m getting paid to not affect the game and be in certain spots.”
His assertive stance reflects a strong commitment to influencing outcomes no matter where he lines up. This mindset demonstrates Ramsey’s passion and determination to adapt, factors that bolster the Steelers’ confidence in their defensive strategy despite the loss of a key starter.
Safety Juan Thornhill echoed this sentiment, revealing his initial reaction to Fitzpatrick’s trade was a personal call to step up, motivating him to enter the season with “a chip on his shoulder.” Similarly, linebacker T.J. Watt expressed his surprise at the trade, stating,
“I was shocked. I was just as shocked as everyone in this room was.”
Watt also reflected on his new status as the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback with gratitude and focus:
“It’s hard to wrap my head around it. But right now it’s crazy to me. But I want to play football…there’s so much more that I can give, that I want to give to this city.”
Building a Team Around Versatile Talents and Youthful Promise
Omar Khan confirmed that the Steelers are currently not pursuing in-house contract extensions or active external additions this offseason, choosing instead to build confidence in the players already on the roster. Khan spoke positively about the progress of young wide receiver Roman Wilson, sharing his excitement to see what the promising receiver can achieve this year.
The Steelers’ depth includes quarterback Will Howard, a sixth-round pick who has benefited from working with veteran Aaron Rodgers. Howard described Rodgers as “a guy that’s bought in,” noting his willingness to engage with teammates and share his experience.
“He’s sitting around and he’s taking time to sit with his teammates and talk with us — and guys like me — and he just looks happy. He’s got a smile on his face and he’s just been great, man,”
said Howard, underscoring the positive presence Rodgers brings to the locker room.
Broader NFL Updates Reflect Team Adjustments and Rising Stars
Elsewhere in the league, rookie wide receiver Andrei Iosivas of the Cincinnati Bengals continues to impress during his third season as he plays alongside stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow praised Iosivas’ stamina and mental grasp of the game, stating,
“Number one, he never gets tired. He’s in great shape. That comes from his track background.”
Burrow noted Iosivas’ ability to capitalize on off-schedule plays by finding openings and creating opportunities on the field:
“He knows we’re going to run plays to throw the ball to Ja’Marr and Tee, and the off-schedule plays are going to be his opportunity to go and make big-time plays for us. And he takes full advantage of that.”
Burrow also highlighted the communication between quarterback and receiver as crucial to their success:
“He really understands how to get open in those situations, what I’m looking at, what I’m expecting. He’s always trying to create more dialogue between us and talking about routes and what I’m looking at.”
Rookie Malaki Starks Steps Up for Ravens Amid Injury Setback
The Baltimore Ravens have faced challenges with the injury to starting safety Ar’Darius Washington, thrusting first-round pick Malaki Starks into a starting role sooner than expected. Starks approaches this opportunity with gratitude and determination, sharing on The Lounge podcast,
“I’m just looking at it as a privilege. This is what I asked for. When I signed up, I knew what I was signing up for. I’m really just taking that on with the right head and just staying grounded in my faith. I’m leaning on the older guys. They’ve been here for a while, they know. They’ve been through what I’m about to go through. I’m a rookie. It’s okay to be a rookie, and I understand that. I want to give myself that grace. But I also still have high standards for myself. I know the expectations that have been set. So, I’m just really trying to find a good balance within that process.”
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh praised Starks’ maturity, noting,
“[Starks] is a very mature player. That’s why he’s a first-round pick. He’s the kind of guy that you would expect to be able to step into a role like that. With Ar’Darius’ situation, he got thrust into that situation maybe a little sooner than we’d hoped, but he’s embraced it. I expect him to do very well.”
Safety Kyle Hamilton also shared his confidence in Starks, describing him as eager and mature:
“He’s super eager to learn, and [he’s] very mature for his age. I can tell he is a great dude, a great football player, and I’m excited for you all to see it on display this season. Obviously, I’m sick about what happened to ‘A.D.’ and thinking about him, [sending] prayers for him, but I mean, that allows Malaki to grow up quicker now. I think he’s just the right guy for it.”
A Season Poised for Growth and Adaptability
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter this season with a renewed focus on adaptability, driven primarily by Jalen Ramsey’s readiness to handle multiple roles in the defensive backfield and the leadership calls prompted by Minkah Fitzpatrick’s unexpected trade. The presence of versatile players such as Ramsey and Jonnu Smith aligns closely with the team’s vision, emphasizing flexibility over rigid positional boundaries.
Meanwhile, the growth of young talents, both within the Steelers organization and across the league, suggests a dynamic campaign ahead. With rising stars in Cincinnati and Baltimore adapting to increased responsibilities and key veterans mentoring emerging players, the NFL landscape this season promises intensity, resilience, and strategic innovation.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Jalen Ramsey believe in God?
A. **Jalen Ramsey’s Motivation Explained:**
Jalen Ramsey talks about what drives him. He says his motivation comes from his faith and personal connection with God.
He feels this deeply whenever he plays football. He strives not to disappoint God or show any lack of thankfulness for the talents he believes God has given him.
Q. What is Jalen Ramsey’s face mask called?
A. After joining the Dolphins, Jalen switched to the F7 helmet, and his facemask style also changed to the F7. Each wire is placed uniquely, making this facemask a complete custom design.