In a stunning transaction reshaping the NFL landscape, the Pittsburgh steelers and Miami dolphins have finalized a blockbuster trade. This major deal sees three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith heading to Pittsburgh. In return, the Dolphins acquire three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. This high-profile swap also includes a minor adjustment in draft positioning years down the line, with the Dolphins gaining a 2027 fifth-round selection while sending back a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Steelers. The agreement is currently pending the completion of physical examinations for the involved players.
AFC Power Shake-Up: Steelers Land Star Power
This trade represents a significant move for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who continue an exceptionally active offseason. The acquisition of Jalen Ramsey brings elite talent to their secondary. Ramsey, widely regarded as one of the premier cornerbacks in the league, confirmed the news himself, posting “Break my own news! #HereWeGo @steelers” on social media. At 30 years old, Ramsey arrives with 24 career interceptions. He joins an already formidable cornerback group featuring recent free-agent signing Darius Slay Jr. and promising young starter Joey Porter Jr. While Ramsey has played cornerback his entire nine-year NFL career, some speculation exists regarding a potential transition to safety. This could address a position needing depth following Fitzpatrick’s departure. DeShon Elliott, who recently signed an extension, and free-agent addition Juan Thornhill, previously of the Chiefs, are key players currently at safety for Pittsburgh.
Details of Ramsey’s contract in Pittsburgh reveal a notable commitment. His 2025 compensation increases by $1.5 million, bringing his total to $26.6 million. Sources indicate the Steelers will handle the majority of this salary, with the Dolphins contributing $3 million.
Smith Adds Weapon to Steelers Offense
Beyond the headline-grabbing Ramsey-Fitzpatrick swap, the Steelers also acquired Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. Smith is coming off a career year with the Dolphins. In 2024, he set franchise records for a tight end with 88 receptions for 884 yards, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. He was the leading receiver for Miami last season and ranked among the league’s top tight ends in receiving yards.
Smith’s arrival in Pittsburgh seems partly driven by his strong connection with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Arthur Smith previously coached Jonnu Smith as a tight ends coach and offensive coordinator in Tennessee. He later traded for him during his tenure as the Falcons’ head coach. This reunion signals a clear intent to integrate Smith into the Steelers’ offensive plans. Jonnu Smith also received a new one-year contract extension valued at $12 million as part of the trade, according to his agents. His addition has already sparked significant discussion regarding his potential fantasy football value in Pittsburgh.
Fitzpatrick Returns to Miami Roots
For the Miami Dolphins, the trade brings back a familiar face in safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick, 28, began his NFL journey in Miami. The Dolphins selected him 11th overall in the 2018 draft. However, his initial tenure was short-lived. He was traded to the Steelers in 2019 amid reports of unhappiness with his role, particularly after then-coach Brian Flores moved him from safety to nickelback.
Fitzpatrick proved highly productive during his time in Pittsburgh. He recorded five interceptions in just 14 games after joining the team in 2019. He followed this with multiple interceptions in each of the next three seasons, including a career-best six picks in 2022. While he faced an injury-hampered slump in 2023 without recording an interception, he finally ended that 25-game drought in Week 16 of the previous season. Fitzpatrick brings 20 career interceptions back to Miami. His return addresses a critical need in the Dolphins’ secondary.
Dolphins Secondary Overhaul Continues
Miami’s defense has undergone significant changes this offseason. The Dolphins released cornerback Kendall Fuller after one season. They saw safeties Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer depart in free agency. The team previously signed safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis, along with cornerback Artie Burns. They also drafted safety Dante Trader Jr. and cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. Despite these additions, a clear starting picture in the secondary had not fully emerged during offseason practices. Fitzpatrick’s return immediately solidifies one starting safety spot. The team may continue exploring options for veteran cornerbacks.
Trading away Smith also impacts Miami’s tight end group. Smith had skipped offseason practices, reportedly seeking a new contract before this extension with Pittsburgh. Without him, the remaining tight ends include blocking specialists Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown, alongside former undrafted free agents Tanner Conner, Hayden Rucci, and Jalin Conyers. This leaves a void in the primary pass-catching tight end role for the Dolphins. Ramsey’s departure also means another team captain from last season is gone, following Terron Armstead (retired), Calais Campbell (Cardinals), and David Long Jr. (released). Former Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert notably reacted to the news, criticizing the team’s treatment of Pro Bowlers on social media.
Steelers’ Offseason Aggression
The acquisition of Ramsey and Smith underscores the aggressive approach taken by the Steelers this offseason. Traditionally more reserved in the trade and free-agent markets, Pittsburgh has broken precedent with a series of high-profile moves. This includes signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, trading for wide receiver DK Metcalf, and adding Darius Slay Jr. Simultaneously, they have seen significant departures, trading former top receiver George Pickens to the Cowboys and losing key players like running back Najee Harris and quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The flurry of activity has led to discussions about the extent of head coach Mike Tomlin’s involvement in shaping this overhauled roster and whether these moves signal an “all-in” push for the upcoming season. This strategic shift positions the Steelers differently within the AFC landscape, a division already featuring formidable opponents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the specific players and draft picks involved in the Steelers-Dolphins trade?
In this major NFL transaction, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins received three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in return. Additionally, the trade included a pick swap: the Dolphins sent a 2027 seventh-round selection to Pittsburgh and received a 2027 fifth-round pick back. The deal is contingent upon players passing their physical examinations.
How does the Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick trade impact the team rosters?
For the Steelers, acquiring Jalen Ramsey significantly bolsters their cornerback depth, adding an elite veteran alongside Darius Slay Jr. and Joey Porter Jr., while potentially offering flexibility at safety. Jonnu Smith gives them a proven, productive tight end with a strong connection to the offensive coordinator, filling a need. For the Dolphins, Minkah Fitzpatrick immediately provides a top-tier starting safety, addressing a critical position of need in their significantly revamped secondary. The trade also creates a void at pass-catching tight end for Miami.
What is the potential significance of this blockbuster trade for both teams?
This trade is highly significant for both franchises. For the Steelers, it continues an unusually aggressive offseason, adding multiple Pro Bowl talents and fueling speculation about an “all-in” strategy under Mike Tomlin. It shows a clear intent to compete immediately. For the Dolphins, reacquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick addresses a key defensive need with a player familiar with the organization, albeit under new leadership. However, it comes at the cost of a top cornerback and their leading receiver from the previous season, marking another major change in their roster composition.
Conclusion
The swap of Jalen Ramsey for Minkah Fitzpatrick, coupled with the exchange of Jonnu Smith and draft picks, represents a seismic event in the NFL offseason. The Pittsburgh Steelers have clearly signaled their intentions with a series of bold moves aimed at immediate contention, adding star power on both sides of the ball. The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, continue to reshape their roster dramatically, particularly on defense, bringing back a former player to solidify a critical position group. This trade ensures that both teams will look significantly different entering the next season, with profound implications for their respective playoff aspirations in a competitive AFC.
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