It’s interesting, then, that Ramsey is now the one entering his age-32 season. Like Woodson, he has taken on new defensive roles to make an impact.
Due to injuries elsewhere in his inaugural season with the Steelers in 2025, Ramsey played more snaps at safety than anywhere else for the first time in his 10-year career. He lined up at free safety in 462 games and in the box on 186 snaps, compared to 367 in the slot and 165 at corner out wide, per PFF.
Ramsey made his eighth Pro Bowl while doing so. He had an interception, doubled his career sack total from three to six, and tied the career high in tackles with 88.
He’s unlikely to spend the majority of his time at safety again in 2026, nor is he expected to be primarily outside. The Steelers signed safeties Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage to pair with DeShon Elliott. Joey Porter Jr. has one outside cornerback spot locked up, and the signing of CB Jamel Dean and third-round draft pick Daylen Everette also give Pittsburgh depth there. Nickel is Ramsey’s intended home. However, the coaching staff’s comments indicate an openness to moving him wherever there might be inconsistencies, and the Steelers’ offseason acquisitions make that possible without exposing themselves elsewhere.
A natural fit, Ramsey starts at nickel, closer to the line of scrimmage, where he can utilize his tackle. He has long been one of the NFL’s most physical cornerbacks, posting a PFF run defensive rating of 81-plus in four of the last five seasons.
After spending most of his previous seasons lining up at the border, another season of doing so may not take an adjustment for Ramsey, but he is entering an inflection point in the second decade of his career.
Most defensive backs don’t put together a bunch of outstanding performances well into their thirties. Woodson was unique in finding magic through changing roles. He made four Pro Bowls, two All-Pro teams and won the 32-35 Defensive Player of the Year.
Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro but not since 2021, could be in prime position to follow in those footsteps.
He has the experience and talent, now with some of the head coaches involved in Woodson’s heroic second half.
“Charles is definitely one of the best, if not the best, to ever play the game,” Ramsey said. “I want to be in the places he once was when he played, and then obviously eventually be in the Hall of Fame one day like he was.”
“So, yeah, he’s definitely someone I look up to. Knowing that I’m around the coaches that he was around in some of his best years is pretty cool.”