Between Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr., the Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of cornerbacks accustomed to covering the opposing team’s top receiver every week. In theory, all three cornerbacks could split that duty for the Steelers in 2025.
But head coach Mike Tomlin explained Thursday that’s not how the team’s division of labor at cornerback will work. Tomlin made clear to reporters Ramsey will cover the opposition’s top pass-catching weapon.
“There are not a whole lot of conversations. Jalen [Ramsey] is going to get it,” Tomlin told reporters while chuckling. “Some people may hate it, and I love that competitive spirit in the collective. But I think that it’s already been decided.”
When asked a follow-up question about whether Porter was one of those who “hates it,” Tomlin responded:
“You can name whoever you want to name. Competitive young people want the matchup. But it’s already been decided.”
Jalen Ramsey, Not Joey Porter Jr. Will Travel With Top Opposing WRs
Tomlin’s comments pull the curtain behind the team’s plans with Ramsey, who they acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins on June 30.
The Steelers drafted Porter as their next franchise cornerback in 2023. They signed Slay this offseason to supplement Porter. After acquiring Ramsey, Steelers pundits reported the team saw Ramsey playing a versatile role, lining up outside, at nickel and safety.
But based on Tomlin’s comments, it sounds like Ramsey is going to go wherever the opposing top receiver does. That’s the role Ramsey has held throughout his NFL career.
The 30-year-old is a three-time first-team All-Pro. He’s also made seven Pro Bowls as one of the top cornerbacks since he entered the league in 2016.
Last season, Ramsey posted 60 combined tackles, including six tackles for loss and four quarterback hits. He also had 11 pass defenses, two interceptions and one sack.
Ramsey recorded a 76.9 Pro Football Focus player grade (out of 100) in 2024. Based on the PFF grades, he excelled in every area except tackling.
Tomlin’s Comments Don’t Completely Rule out Porter as Covering Top Opposing WR
It’s the preseason, so every comment and performance should be taken with a grain of salt. But even more noteworthy is the fact the Steelers don’t always follow the philosophy of their top cornerback acting as a shadow for the opposing team’s top receiver.
For instance, against the Cincinnati Bengals last season, Porter, who was the closest thing the Steelers had to a shutdown corner in 2024, covered Tee Higgins. Meanwhile, veteran Donte Jackson, along with help from others, was responsible for Ja’Marr Chase.
If the Steelers followed that strategy this year, based on what Tomlin said Thursday, Porter would cover Chase, who is Cincinnati’s top receiver. But Porter would have help while Ramsey would largely be on his own versus Higgins.
The Steelers don’t play the Bengals until Week 7. The two rivals will meet again in Week 11.
It makes sense that the Steelers plan for Ramsey to cover the opposing team’s top receiver. But how each cornerback is playing throughout the season is likely to play a significant role in the division of labor with the Steelers secondary.
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