The NFL landscape shifted dramatically on July 1, 2025, as the Pittsburgh Steelers and miami dolphins executed a seismic trade reshaping both franchises. This blockbuster deal sent All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, along with a 2027 seventh-round pick, to Pittsburgh. In return, the Dolphins welcomed back All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, their 2018 first-round pick, and acquired a 2027 fifth-round selection. The move signals starkly contrasting strategies: Pittsburgh appears to be consolidating talent for an immediate championship push, while Miami seems poised for a financial reset and potential long-term rebuild.
This trade isn’t just a swap of star power; it represents a strategic divergence that could define the coming seasons for each team. The Steelers acquire proven playmakers to address specific roster needs, accepting significant financial commitments and parting with a defensive cornerstone. The Dolphins, conversely, prioritize shedding substantial salary cap obligations, bringing back a familiar face on a more manageable contract, and potentially signaling further roster changes ahead. Analyzing the gains and losses for each side reveals the complex calculus behind this high-stakes transaction.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Loading Up for a Championship Run?
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, this trade is about maximizing their competitive window. Coming off a season where their defense, despite leading the league in PFF pass-rush grade, was severely hampered by struggles in the secondary, the need for elite coverage was glaring. In 2024, Pittsburgh’s cornerbacks ranked among the league’s worst in key metrics: 30th in coverage grade, 29th in forced incompletion percentage, and 30th in open-target percentage. Opposing offenses consistently exploited a rotating cast of players, none of whom earned a PFF coverage grade better than 57.1.
A Revamped Secondary: Ramsey and Slay Form Elite Duo
Jalen Ramsey immediately provides the elite presence Pittsburgh desperately needed. Already featuring six-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay Jr., the Steelers now potentially field one of the NFL’s most formidable cornerback duos. Ramsey, an undeniable defensive difference-maker since entering the league, boasts an elite 92.6 career PFF overall grade. While his 2024 grade of 76.9 ranked 11th among qualified corners, he consistently demonstrates high-level playmaking.
Ramsey’s versatility is a critical asset for Pittsburgh’s scheme. He can play outside opposite Slay, or shift inside to the slot, where he has accumulated nearly 1,300 career snaps with a respectable 78.3 PFF grade. This flexibility allows the Steelers to potentially feature three top corners in their nickel packages, depending on the evaluation of young players like Joey Porter Jr., who posted a subpar 56.3 coverage grade last season but remains a viable option. Although parting with Minkah Fitzpatrick leaves a hole at safety, offset somewhat by the presence of Juan Thornhill, the addition of Ramsey aims to elevate the entire secondary unit to pair with Pittsburgh’s vaunted defensive line.
Jonnu Smith Adds Dynamic to Tight End Room
Beyond the headlining defensive piece, the Steelers also acquired tight end Jonnu Smith, adding a different dimension to their offense. Smith reunites with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for the third time in his career. While his most productive season statistically came under Mike McDaniel in Miami in 2024 (88 catches, 884 yards, 8 touchdowns, 83.4 PFF receiving grade), his ability to create after the catch aligns well with Arthur Smith’s scheme.
Smith’s 2024 YAC per reception (5.9) ranked ninth among tight ends, and his 13 forced missed tackles were fourth. This skill set is particularly valuable for a Steelers offense that ranked 17th in YAC per reception last season, with their tight end group specifically ranking 25th. It also complements the likely playing style of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose 7.3-yard average depth of target last season suggested an offense less reliant on deep shots compared to Russell Wilson’s vertical passing attack. Smith’s fit alongside established tight end Pat Freiermuth provides quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a reliable, YAC-friendly target, injecting a dimension previously missing. Pittsburgh even provided Smith a reported one-year, $12 million extension to secure his services long-term.
High-Stakes Gamble: Competitive Window Under Rodgers
These aggressive moves reflect a franchise seemingly pulling out all the stops for what could be a limited championship window, potentially centered around quarterback Aaron Rodgers and recently acquired star wide receiver DK Metcalf. The cost, however, is significant. Losing Minkah Fitzpatrick, a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro who anchored their secondary for years, leaves a void that Juan Thornhill and Deshon Elliott must now fill. While the additions address key weaknesses, the organizational upheaval and the high financial investment signal a “push chips in” mentality, accepting the risks for the chance at immediate contention under coach Mike Tomlin.
Miami Dolphins: Hitting the Reset Button
For the Miami Dolphins, the Jalen Ramsey trade tells a different story – one focused on financial maneuvering and long-term strategic positioning. Facing significant future salary cap constraints, the Dolphins ranked poorly in effective cap space projections for 2025 (28th), 2026 (26th), and 2027 (22nd). Moving Ramsey, who had major cap hits stretching potentially through 2029, provides immediate and substantial relief.
Clearing the Books: Financial Implications of the Trade
Shedding Ramsey’s contract was a primary driver for Miami, as acknowledged by General Manager Chris Grier, who noted conversations about Ramsey’s contract led to a mutual understanding about exploring trade options. The team had reportedly already paid Ramsey $7 million earlier in the offseason to facilitate a move. Jonnu Smith was also due a raise from his $4.6 million salary; his reported $12 million extension from Pittsburgh was apparently a price Miami deemed too high for a player turning 30.
The acquisition of Minkah Fitzpatrick, despite his past success and potential aid to a young secondary, also has a significant financial angle. His current contract structure makes him a likely candidate for release after the 2025 season, offering more than $17 million in cap savings heading into 2026. This move, along with shedding Ramsey and Smith, clears significant future cap space, allowing the Dolphins to recalibrate their financial outlook.
Fitzpatrick’s Return and Secondary Needs
Minkah Fitzpatrick returns to the team that drafted him in 2018, a more mature player now turning 29 during the season. While his 2024 PFF overall grade was 65.2, he brings Pro Bowl pedigree back to Miami, addressing a perceived need at safety, especially following the departure of Jevon Holland. The move provides a layer of veteran leadership in a secondary that is now noticeably thinner at cornerback.
Ramsey’s departure leaves a major void opposite veteran Kader Kohou. The Dolphins are expected to rely heavily on young, relatively unproven players like 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith, 2024 undrafted free agent Storm Duck, and fifth-round rookie Jason Marshall Jr. These players face the daunting task of covering elite AFC receivers within the division and beyond. While Fitzpatrick solidifies the safety position, the question remains whether the young cornerbacks are ready to perform at a high level, potentially leaving the pass defense vulnerable despite Miami’s 10th-ranked scoring defense last season.
Ripple Effects: Tyreek Hill, Tua, and Future Decisions
The Ramsey trade could be the first domino in a more extensive financial reset for the Dolphins. Attention now turns to other high-salaried stars. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is widely seen as a serious trade candidate, carrying a massive $51 million-plus cap hit in 2026 (absent an extension). His future, and a potential desire to play for a contender if Miami retools, could impact quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s situation. Miami has financial flexibility to move on from Tagovailoa after the 2026 season with minimal consequence, although an earlier departure would incur significant dead cap. Tough decisions also loom for veterans like Jaelan Phillips, Zach Sieler, Bradley Chubb, and Austin Jackson. The trade signals Miami might be entering a multi-year period of clearing cap space and stockpiling assets for a future competitive window, potentially involving a full rebuild.
What’s Next for Miami? Addressing Roster Voids
Having offloaded two significant players, the Dolphins must now address the immediate roster holes created, particularly at cornerback and tight end. Reports indicate the team is already actively exploring options in the trade market and free agency.
Seeking Cornerback Depth (Again)
With Ramsey gone, cornerback remains a critical need. The current depth chart relies heavily on unproven youth behind Kader Kohou. Potential targets mentioned in league circles include trading for a player like Amik Robertson from the Detroit Lions, who might be available given Detroit’s recent draft investments at corner. Robertson could be a low-risk, one-year rental option. Alternatively, Miami could look to the veteran free-agent market, with a player like Stephon Gilmore, though older at 34, still offering starting-caliber play and much-needed experience and takeaway ability against elite receivers.
Finding a New Target at Tight End
Jonnu Smith’s departure leaves a void in the passing game, particularly given his connection with Tua Tagovailoa last season. While Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown remain on the roster, the Dolphins are reportedly looking to add another impact player at the position. Rumored targets could include trading for a player like Kyle Pitts from the Atlanta Falcons, whose future there has been speculated, or exploring other veteran options potentially available via trade. Finding a reliable pass-catching tight end to complement the receiving corps is essential for the offense’s success moving forward.
Who “Won” the Trade? A Question of Timeline and Strategy
Assessing a definitive “winner” in this trade is complex and depends heavily on timeline and perspective. From Pittsburgh’s viewpoint, acquiring Ramsey and Smith immediately elevates two key positional groups as they target a Super Bowl in the short term. They accepted the financial burden and the cost of Fitzpatrick to do so, receiving a B grade from some analysts who acknowledge the risk but praise the talent infusion.
For Miami, the trade is less about immediate on-field gains and more about financial and strategic flexibility. They addressed a safety need with Fitzpatrick while prioritizing shedding contracts to improve their long-term cap health, receiving a B- grade. Many, including prominent commentators, believe Miami ultimately “won” by securing Fitzpatrick, seen as younger, cheaper, and more dependable than Ramsey while setting the stage for future moves. The Dolphins gained salary cap flexibility and a younger, more financially sustainable player at a position of need, but at the cost of creating new, significant voids at cornerback and tight end, exposing concerns about their roster’s depth behind its top-tier talent.
Ultimately, this trade is a classic example of differing team-building philosophies converging in a major player swap. Pittsburgh aims to capitalize now, while Miami looks toward reshaping its future competitive window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the specific player and draft pick details in the Steelers-Dolphins trade?
The trade, completed on July 1, 2025, involved the Pittsburgh Steelers acquiring cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick from the Miami Dolphins. In exchange, the Dolphins received safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick from the Steelers.
Where does the Jalen Ramsey trade leave the Miami Dolphins in terms of cornerback depth?
Losing Jalen Ramsey creates a significant need at cornerback for the Dolphins. While Kader Kohou provides some stability, the team will now rely heavily on young, unproven players like Cam Smith, Storm Duck, and Jason Marshall Jr. to fill key roles. This leaves the position group potentially vulnerable against elite opposing receivers.
Why might the Miami Dolphins be entering a potential rebuild phase after trading Ramsey and Smith?
The primary driver appears to be financial. The Dolphins faced significant future salary cap issues, ranking poorly in projected cap space for upcoming seasons. Trading Ramsey and Smith sheds substantial salary, and Minkah Fitzpatrick’s contract structure also offers future cap savings. This suggests a strategy focused on clearing financial commitments and potentially retooling the roster over the next few years.
The Impact: A New Era for Both Franchises
The Jalen Ramsey-Minkah Fitzpatrick trade represents a watershed moment for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins. Pittsburgh leverages its assets and cap space to bring in high-impact veterans, signifying an urgent pursuit of a championship. Miami, facing different pressures, uses the opportunity to reset its financial foundation and gain flexibility, even if it means accepting short-term roster challenges. The ripple effects of this deal will shape the fortunes of both franchises for seasons to come, providing a fascinating case study in divergent NFL strategies.
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