According to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not evaluating veteran safeties simply for curiosity. During his latest appearance on The Kaboly + Mack Podcast, he suggested that the situation surrounding All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey may be more serious than initially believed. Kaboly voiced his concerns, stating, "I would say No. 5 might be a little bit iffy." The unease originated from the Steelers' recent decision to assess veteran safety Jordan Whitehead, although they did not sign him. Instead, the team added Rayshawn Jenkins to the roster while releasing safety Darnell Savage. That switch maintained the defensive backfield's numerical balance but shifted the personnel configuration.
The Steelers made Jenkins their preferred choice over Savage, and a notable distinction between the two is Jenkins' greater experience on special teams. Kaboly speculated that the Steelers might not be planning for a prolonged absence of Ramsey. If the team had truly been in need of a Ramsey replacement, Kaboly noted, you would expect to see a more significant reorganization in the secondary. However, Jenkins was added as a net-zero move, replacing Savage, indicating the team's secondary depth remains intact.
What This Might Mean for the Season
Ramsey's Recovery and Timeline
Steelers general manager Omar Khan provided an update on July 28, stating that Ramsey is recovering from a knee injury and could return in "a couple of weeks." That timeline suggests he might be back by August 11, but Kaboly is not fully confident in that prognosis. He expressed skepticism about how quickly Ramsey can recover, given the nature of his injury. This uncertainty underscores the team's decision to bring in Jenkins. While the Steelers maintain three veteran safeties and three younger ones—excluding Ramsey—the group must be ready to cover his absence if he remains out longer than expected.
Ramsey's usual role is in the slot, a position where his experience and coverage skills make him a vital asset. If he isn't ready for the start of the regular season, the Steelers will likely need to adjust their defensive strategy. This could involve shifting other players into the slot or relying more heavily on their rookie safeties. The burden would be on starters Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean at outside cornerback, who would need to compensate for Ramsey's absence and maintain defensive effectiveness.
Ramsey, now 31, is a three-time All-Pro selection and has been a standout in the league for over a decade. He joined the Steelers from the Miami Dolphins in a trade last summer and played a crucial role for the team in 2025, recording 88 combined tackles, eight pass defenses, and one interception, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl. Before coming to Pittsburgh, he was an All-Pro with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Ramsey's career has been marked by consistent high-level performance, making his current situation particularly impactful for the Steelers' defensive plans.
Savage's Release and Roster Adjustments
The team's decision to cut Savage so early in training camp surprised many fans, but Kaboly believes it could be unrelated to Ramsey. Adding Jenkins as the fourth experienced safety may have raised concerns about the team's need for depth, but the roster still includes three veteran safeties and three younger ones—excluding Ramsey. The Steelers may be preparing for multiple scenarios, especially with Ramsey's status remaining uncertain. His potential return in August could shift the team's approach to the season, while his possible absence would require more adaptability from the secondary and special teams.
Jenkins' experience on special teams appears to be a key factor in the roster decision. Ramsey's limited involvement on that unit means Jenkins' addition could be focused more on special teams contributions than a direct replacement for Ramsey. That aligns with the idea that Ramsey might be closer to returning than expected, which would make the Jenkins move a strategic one rather than a sign of long-term absence. The next few weeks will be crucial for the Steelers to clarify Ramsey's return timeline and determine how they will manage their secondary depth throughout the season.