Jalen Ramsey's Role with Steelers Shrinks as Slot Position Becomes Primary Focus The Pittsburgh Steelers have outlined a clear path for Jalen Ramsey in 2026, positioning him as a slot cornerback with limited opportunities as an outside defender. After a challenging season as an outside cornerback, the team has shifted its focus toward utilizing Ramsey’s skills in the slot, with safety snaps serving as a secondary option. This strategy reflects a broader effort to address defensive needs while managing Ramsey’s declining athleticism, which has made him a liability in coverage against elite wide receivers. The Steelers’ approach has been shaped by both roster moves and strategic planning. Last season’s struggles for Ramsey as an outside cornerback prompted the team to move him inside, where he was occasionally deployed in the slot. This shift was further reinforced by free-agent signings, including Jamel Dean, who signaled the team’s intent to prioritize outside cornerback depth. The addition of Asante Samuel Jr. as a backup at the outside position further solidified the depth chart, leaving little room for Ramsey to reclaim a primary role on the perimeter. The Steelers’ decision to bring in Jaquan Brisker as a safety also highlights their focus on rotational flexibility. Brisker’s potential role in a safety rotation suggests the team is not building a system that forces Ramsey to become a full-time safety. Instead, the slot is being positioned as Ramsey’s primary assignment, with safety snaps reserved for situational use. This structure limits Ramsey’s opportunities to play outside, where he struggled last season, and places him in a role that aligns with his current physical capabilities. The team’s draft strategy further supports this plan.#jaquan_brisker #pittsburgh_steers #jalen_ramsey #jamal_dean #asante_samuel_jr
Chicago Bears Re-Sign Cornerback Jaylon Jones to One-Year Deal The Chicago Bears finalized a one-year contract with cornerback Jaylon Jones on Wednesday, securing his return to the team after he was released during final roster cuts. The move comes as the Bears wrapped up their free agency period, with most of their defensive backs departing for new teams. Jones, who joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2022, will now compete for a role in the secondary after spending the past two seasons on and off the roster. Jones initially signed with the Bears in 2022 as a special teams player and backup cornerback. During his rookie season, he earned a starting role in four games and became a key contributor on special teams. He remained with the team through the 2024 season but was released ahead of the 2025 season after joining the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent. The Bears claimed him off waivers during final cuts and added him to their active roster. In his second season with the Bears, Jones appeared in 15 games, recording 16 tackles and one forced fumble. He made one start against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, showcasing his ability to contribute on defense. The Bears’ decision to re-sign him highlights their focus on retaining depth at the cornerback position, as several other free agent defenders left for new opportunities. The re-signing follows the departures of key defensive backs such as Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, CJ Gardner-Johnson, and Jonathan Owens, who all signed with other teams earlier in the week. Jones and Elijah Hicks are the only defensive backs from the Bears’ 2025 roster who remained with the club. The Bears’ secondary will now rely on a mix of returning players and younger talent to fill the void left by the departing free agents.#chicago_bears #arizona_cardinals #kevin_byard #jaquan_brisker #jaylon_jones
Chicago Bears Lose Another Safety to Free Agency Former Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens has signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move marks another loss for the Bears' safety room, which will undergo significant changes for the 2026 season after losing three of its top four safeties, including starters Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Despite the departures, the team has secured a top free-agent safety in Coby Bryant from the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears' decision to part ways with Byard and Brisker, along with other safeties, has left their secondary in a state of transition. Bryant's arrival is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team's defensive capabilities. However, the loss of Owens, who was a key player in the team's recent seasons, adds to the uncertainty surrounding the safety position. The team's ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Bears' management has expressed confidence in their ability to rebuild the safety room, emphasizing the importance of finding players who can contribute immediately. With the 2026 season approaching, the focus will be on integrating new talent and ensuring the defense remains competitive. The team's strategy will be closely watched as they navigate this period of transition.#chicago_bears #indianapolis_colts #jonathan_owens #kevin_byard #jaquan_brisker
