The Pittsburgh Steelers made the shocking decision to trade stalwart Minkah Fitzpatrick away earlier in the offseason in exchange for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. While the trade added a versatile defender in Ramsey, it also left a major hole at free safety.
Since the trade, there have been a litany of suggestions as to who should be the ultimate Fitzpatrick replacement. From the most obvious (newbie Juan Thornhill), to the most creative (Ramsey or Darius Slay), to the splashiest (Justin Simmons), the options are endless.
However, the Steelers answer could be hiding in plain sight with Cory Trice Jr.
It hasn’t been the offseason Trice Jr. likely wanted. While the Steelers were always likely to add a competent starter across from Joey Porter Jr., his odds of playing a significant role took a big hit. Slay was the perfect signing for Trice Jr., as he would remain the third outside cornerback and provide injury insurance for Slay.
With the addition of Ramsey, the oft-injured corner finds himself buried on the depth chart. The numbers game could work against him, and his roster space isn’t safe. A move to safety could help him.
Cory Trice Jr. switching positions could be just what the Pittsburgh Steelers need
This wouldn’t be Trice Jr.'s first stint at safety. He played there earlier in his Purdue career before transitioning to corner. When he was drafted, there was speculation that he would make a permanent move back there as a pro.
While Thornhill has more pro experience at safety, his play has fallen off in recent years. He is no longer the solid starter that he was with the Chiefs, and you could have even questioned his ability as the third safety replacing Damontae Kazee this offseason.
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That isn’t to say Trice Jr. would beat him out, but a strong summer at the new position would certainly make that battle interesting. Simply put, I think it’s a battle that he can win.
Even if Ramsey does see some snaps at safety, more than likely his main role will be as a cornerback or slot defender (as it should be). This wouldn’t only preserve Trice Jr.'s roster spot; it would also give him a legitimate chance to start long-term.
The numbers game at cornerback is a hard one to figure out. Beyond the starters and Trice, you have another free agent signing in Brandon Echols, former slot starter Beanie Bishop, and special teams ace James Pierre.
All three have viable claims to a roster spot, and unless the Steelers keep seven cornerbacks, one of them will have to be cut.
Trice Jr. moving to safety alleviates that issue, gives him a shot at playing time, and preserves his roster spot. Even if he lost out to Thornhill as the starter, he could still maintain his role in dime defense and serve as emergency depth at cornerback. Given the current roster structure, a positional switch makes a lot of sense.