**“Steelers Face Crucial Post-Minkah Decision: Why Signing Free Agent Star Justin Simmons Makes More Sense Than Moving Jalen Ramsey to Safety”**

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a critical juncture as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. For the first time since 2019, the Steelers will take the field without their All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick patrolling the back end of their defense. Fitzpatrick’s departure leaves a sizable void, not just in terms of playmaking ability, but also in leadership, versatility, and high-level football IQ. With the rest of the defensive unit showing signs of promise — especially in the front seven — the Steelers now must answer a pressing question: how do they fill the massive shoes left by Fitzpatrick without disrupting the chemistry and integrity of a defense that still has elite potential?

Several names have emerged in conversations among insiders, fans, and analysts. One of the more intriguing and talked-about options is the possibility of shifting Jalen Ramsey, who joined the team this offseason, from his natural cornerback position into the safety role. While this isn’t an entirely foreign concept for Ramsey — he has flashed safety-like instincts and responsibilities in his hybrid roles with both the Rams and Dolphins — making that switch full-time in Pittsburgh could have more unintended consequences than benefits. Ramsey is one of the league’s most versatile defensive backs, and while his skills translate to multiple positions, his primary value still lies in being able to lock down top receivers and neutralize elite passing threats on the outside or in the slot.

Transitioning Ramsey to safety would potentially diminish the overall flexibility and dynamism of the Steelers’ secondary. His presence at cornerback affords Pittsburgh a luxury few teams enjoy — the ability to match up with any receiver, regardless of size or speed, and the freedom to design complex coverage schemes around his unique capabilities. Removing Ramsey from that equation could leave the Steelers vulnerable at corner, especially in a league increasingly dominated by elite wideouts and high-octane passing attacks. In short, moving Ramsey to safety might solve one problem while creating another.

This is why veteran safety Justin Simmons, still available on the free-agent market, stands out as a much more natural and appealing fit. Simmons, who was surprisingly released by the Denver Broncos earlier this offseason in a cap-saving move, brings with him a résumé that speaks for itself. An All-Pro talent with years of experience and a reputation as one of the most intelligent and dependable safeties in the league, Simmons offers exactly what the Steelers need — stability, leadership, and range. At 31 years old, he remains in excellent form, and his instincts, ball skills, and communication abilities would be a seamless complement to a defense that already thrives on discipline and aggressive play.

What makes Simmons such an ideal target for Pittsburgh is not just his ability to fill the role left by Fitzpatrick — it’s the way he would elevate the entire defensive unit. Simmons has been a captain and emotional leader in Denver, known for his pre-snap recognition and his ability to diagnose plays quickly. With the Steelers boasting an imposing front seven led by T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Alex Highsmith, Simmons would have the benefit of a consistent pass rush that could allow him to take more calculated risks in coverage, bait quarterbacks into mistakes, and create turnovers — something Fitzpatrick excelled at during his Steelers tenure.

Moreover, Simmons’ ability to cover ground sideline-to-sideline makes him especially valuable in today’s NFL. He would offer coverage insurance against deep throws while still maintaining the physicality to support in run defense. His presence could also mentor and stabilize younger players in the secondary, such as Joey Porter Jr., who’s emerging as a rising star at corner. Simmons’ leadership and mentorship could go a long way in helping younger defenders take that next step — something Fitzpatrick once did as a stabilizing force for the secondary.

The financial component of this potential move is another reason it makes sense. As a veteran late in the free agency window, Simmons would likely come at a relatively team-friendly cost compared to splashier in-season trades or long-term signings. For the Steelers, who have historically prioritized value and cultural fit over flashy moves, Simmons fits the mold perfectly. He’s a professional, a proven commodity, and someone who would immediately command respect in the locker room and on the field. He wouldn’t need a long ramp-up period or adjustment time — he could step into the role right away and perform at a high level.

There’s also the matter of preserving team identity. Pittsburgh has always prided itself on hard-nosed, disciplined defense. That identity was fortified under legends like Troy Polamalu and maintained through the likes of Fitzpatrick. Simmons represents that same kind of mindset — aggressive but intelligent, physical but clean, vocal but grounded. His playstyle and approach to the game are almost tailor-made for the Steelers’ defensive philosophy. Adding him would send a message that the team isn’t settling for regression in the wake of Fitzpatrick’s exit but instead looking to reload with championship-caliber talent.

Another consideration is the long-term outlook. While Simmons may not be a ten-year solution, signing him now buys the Steelers time to evaluate the future of the position. It gives them breathing room to draft and develop a younger safety without having to throw them into the fire. It also allows Ramsey to remain at his natural position, where he can continue to impact the game at an elite level. Ramsey’s versatility still gives the Steelers the option to rotate him into safety looks on certain downs or in sub-packages, but that should be used as a weapon, not a full-time fix. Preserving the strategic diversity of the defense requires players to be utilized where they are most effective, not simply where they are needed.

It’s also worth acknowledging the psychological impact that a move like this could have in the locker room. Bringing in a respected veteran like Simmons shows players — especially the younger ones — that the front office is serious about contending and filling gaps with quality. It reinforces a culture of excellence and accountability, and it keeps the defensive unit mentally focused on the goal of being one of the league’s top groups. Stability at the safety position is essential not just for playcalling and coverage, but also for morale, communication, and confidence.

The Steelers have always been a team that values continuity and cohesion on defense. Their best units over the years have operated like synchronized machines, with each player understanding their role and trusting the man next to them. Plugging Simmons into the safety spot allows for minimal disruption while still providing elite-level production. It also avoids the temptation to over-extend Ramsey’s role, which could compromise his ability to perform at his best. With the AFC loaded with dynamic offenses — from Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen to Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson — the margin for error is razor-thin. Pittsburgh can’t afford to enter the season with an experimental approach at one of the most critical positions on the field.

The Steelers still have time to make a move before training camp ramps up, but the window is narrowing. If they are truly serious about remaining a defensive powerhouse in 2025 and beyond, then signing Justin Simmons is not just a logical decision — it’s the smart one. The move offers minimal risk and maximum reward. It preserves the defensive identity, supports the development of the younger players, and ensures that Pittsburgh isn’t left scrambling in a post-Minkah world.

In a league where every play can determine the outcome of a season, having the right safety can be the difference between a playoff run and another year of disappointment. Justin Simmons has the pedigree, the production, and the personality to step in and deliver. While the idea of moving Jalen Ramsey may seem like a creative solution on the surface, it’s ultimately a short-term band-aid that could limit the overall impact of one of the game’s best defenders. The better solution is simple: let Ramsey dominate where he belongs, and bring in Simmons to do the same.

If the Steelers make the right call, their defense can still be among the best in the league — fast, physical, disciplined, and dangerous. The pieces are in place. Now it’s just about making the move that aligns with who the Steelers are, and who they aspire to be. Adding Justin Simmons could be the defining decision of the offseason, one that sets the tone for a season of resurgence and reckoning in Pittsburgh.