A significant late-June NFL transaction sent shockwaves across the league. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins completed a massive trade, swapping Pro Bowl defensive backs. safety Minkah Fitzpatrick headed south to rejoin the Dolphins, while cornerback Jalen ramsey moved north to Pittsburgh. This high-profile deal also involved players and draft picks, altering the landscape for both franchises heading into the season.
The core components of the trade saw the Steelers acquire Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu smith, plus a 2027 seventh-round selection. In exchange, the Dolphins received Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. This trade marks a pivotal moment in both teams’ offseason strategies and future outlooks.
Why Pittsburgh Targeted Ramsey and Smith
Pittsburgh has embraced an aggressive, “all-in” approach this offseason. This strategy aims to maximize the current competitive window, particularly with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Acquiring Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith fits this urgent timeline perfectly. The Steelers sought upgrades in key areas.
Fitzpatrick’s declining production and substantial $22 million cap hit for 2025 made retaining him challenging. Though a former All-Pro, injuries plagued his recent seasons. His role also sometimes shifted away from deep safety play, impacting his signature game-changing interceptions. Moving his contract helps manage the salary cap, especially while negotiating with stars like T.J. Watt.
Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler, provides immediate star power in the secondary. The Steelers already boast a strong cornerback duo with Joey Porter Jr. and recent free agent signee Darius Slay Jr. Ramsey offers versatility. He can play outside opposite Porter Jr. or move inside to the “star” nickel role against three-receiver sets. This flexibility allows Pittsburgh to field multiple top corners simultaneously. Experts view Ramsey’s addition as significantly boosting the Steelers’ cornerback group, raising both its floor and ceiling. His contract structure includes a $1.5 million raise this season, with limited guaranteed money after 2025, presenting a relatively low-risk acquisition for Pittsburgh.
On the offensive side, Jonnu Smith brings valuable receiving talent to the tight end position. He reunites with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who coached him previously with success. Jonnu Smith is coming off a career year with the Dolphins. He became a crucial outlet against two-high safety looks and zone coverages, areas where Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa often targeted him. His ability to create yards after the catch makes him a valuable weapon. The Steelers already have a capable tight end in Pat Freiermuth. Adding Smith provides a dynamic pass-catching option, especially given Arthur Smith’s history of heavily utilizing multiple tight end formations (12 and 13 personnel).
Overall, this trade accelerates Pittsburgh’s push for immediate Super Bowl contention. It bolsters both defensive and offensive units with proven, Pro Bowl-level talent.
Why Miami Traded Ramsey and Smith
For the Miami Dolphins, this trade signals significant organizational changes following an 8-9 finish in 2024. General manager Chris Grier stated the decision to trade Ramsey was mutual. Discussions with Ramsey and his agent led both sides to believe parting ways was best. While Ramsey was an All-Pro in his first Dolphins season despite injury, the team sought a culture shift after a disappointing year.
Miami had reportedly explored trading Ramsey since April. His value wasn’t expected to exceed the third-round pick and player they traded to acquire him in 2023. Receiving Minkah Fitzpatrick in return provides significant value. Fitzpatrick, though approaching age 29, is younger than Ramsey and fills a critical need at safety. Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer departed in free agency. The Dolphins’ safety depth consisted primarily of stopgap options like Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu.
Acquiring Fitzpatrick immediately addresses this major roster hole. He returns to the franchise that originally drafted him in 2018. His first stint in Miami ended after 18 games due to disagreements over his role under a previous coaching staff. However, his versatility and leadership are highly valued now. He is expected to become a Day 1 leader in the secondary. While his interception numbers dropped recently, he remains a capable run defender and versatile piece. Becoming a stable presence at safety could lead to another contract extension in Miami.
Trading Jonnu Smith means losing a productive receiving threat. Smith was a key target in Miami’s offense, especially against certain defensive looks. He led the team in yards per route run against two-high and zone defenses. His departure creates a void in the underneath passing game. The Dolphins still have De’Von Achane as a receiving threat from the backfield. However, replacing Smith’s 112 vacated targets is a challenge.
Miami’s moves reflect a need to retool certain position groups. While receiving a quality player like Fitzpatrick fills a major defensive need, the trade also highlights remaining roster holes, particularly in the secondary and at pass-catching tight end.
Minkah Fitzpatrick’s Role in Miami
Minkah Fitzpatrick returns to South Florida in a much-needed role. His primary position will be safety, where Miami had a glaring hole. During his successful tenure with the Steelers, Fitzpatrick mostly played free safety. He only played over 10% of snaps in the box once in six seasons (2023).
Miami needs a versatile defensive back. Fitzpatrick’s ability to play deep safety or potentially move closer to the line of scrimmage provides flexibility. While he struggled with range and tackling at times last season, the Dolphins are betting on his ability to anchor the secondary. His leadership and experience will be crucial for a young defensive backfield. He arrives as a Day 1 leader, expected to stabilize the safety position and potentially help mentor younger defensive backs.
Jalen Ramsey’s Fit with the Steelers
Jalen Ramsey brings elite cornerback talent to Pittsburgh. He has spent most of his career (80% of snaps) as an outside cornerback. The Steelers have Joey Porter Jr. as a rising star on one side. They also signed veteran Darius Slay Jr. to potentially start opposite Porter Jr.
Ramsey adds significant depth and flexibility. He could start outside, creating a formidable trio with Porter Jr. and Slay Jr. This allows for rotation, keeping players fresh. Alternatively, he excelled as the “star” safety-sized nickel corner for the Rams. If he retains the quickness for the slot, he could align inside against three-receiver sets. This would put Ramsey, Porter Jr., and Slay Jr. on the field together. A late-career move to full-time safety is also a possibility. This could maximize his football intelligence and remaining athleticism. Regardless of his exact alignment, Ramsey dramatically improves Pittsburgh’s secondary.
Jonnu Smith Bolsters Steelers’ Offense
Jonnu Smith’s arrival significantly upgrades the Steelers’ tight end group. He immediately provides a key target for Aaron Rodgers. Smith thrived in Miami’s offense, particularly as an underneath receiver. He finished last season with 88 receptions for 884 yards and 8 touchdowns. His metrics against zone coverage and two-high looks were impressive.
reunites with Arthur Smith, who knows how to maximize his skills. The Steelers ran extensive multi-tight end sets last season. Adding Jonnu Smith alongside Pat Freiermuth gives Rodgers multiple dynamic options. Smith’s run-after-catch ability makes him a tough cover for linebackers. He can provide easy, short completions crucial for moving the chains. His presence ensures the Steelers maintain a strong pass-catching presence at tight end. This is vital for Arthur Smith’s scheme.
What’s Next for Pittsburgh?
This offseason marks a clear departure from the Steelers’ traditional approach. General manager Omar Khan has been remarkably active. The team has signed Aaron Rodgers, traded for DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey, and traded away George Pickens and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Free agent Darius Slay Jr. was also added. This flurry of moves signals an urgent push for a championship.
Despite the additions, the Steelers might not be entirely finished. Losing Fitzpatrick creates a hole at safety. While DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill provide options, another free safety could be targeted. The team may also seek another wide receiver. They need a clear No. 2 option behind Metcalf. Free agent Gabe Davis visited the team earlier in the offseason, indicating their interest in adding another pass catcher. Expect Pittsburgh to remain open to potential roster upgrades before the season.
What’s Next for Miami?
The Dolphins still face significant roster construction challenges. Trading Jalen Ramsey did not solve their cornerback situation. Miami currently lacks established starters on either side of the field outside of nickel corner Kader Kohou. The current cornerback room is young and unproven. Players like Cam Smith, Storm Duck, and Jason Marshall Jr. offer potential but lack starting experience.
General manager Chris Grier has hinted at the availability of veteran free agents. The Dolphins will likely pursue external help at cornerback before training camp. They also need to replace Jonnu Smith’s receiving production at tight end. Current tight ends like Tanner Conner, Hayden Rucci, and Jalin Conyers are unproven pass catchers. While trading for someone like Kyle Pitts is speculation, Miami clearly needs another receiving threat at the position. The trade addressed the safety need but highlighted ongoing concerns about secondary depth and offensive weapons behind the top stars. The team may rely heavily on young players stepping up or make further free agent signings.
Overall, the trade is widely seen as a move benefiting the Steelers’ immediate Super Bowl aspirations. It creates significant challenges and questions for the Dolphins, particularly concerning secondary depth and offensive weapons. The Steelers received high marks for their aggressive play, while the Dolphins received slightly lower, yet still positive, grades for addressing a major need with Fitzpatrick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Steelers trade away Minkah Fitzpatrick?
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick due to a combination of factors. His production had seen a decline after an All-Pro 2022 season, recording just one interception in his final 29 games. He also carried a significant $22 million cap charge for the upcoming 2025 season. This cap hit was challenging as the team focused on extending other key players. Furthermore, acquiring Jalen Ramsey provided an opportunity to address the secondary in a different way, fitting their “all-in” approach for immediate contention.
How will Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith fit with the Steelers?
Jalen Ramsey fits into the Steelers defense by providing versatility in the secondary. He can play outside cornerback alongside Joey Porter Jr., potentially forming one of the league’s top duos. He can also move inside to the nickel corner spot, a role where he excelled previously. Jonnu Smith reunites with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, under whom he was highly productive. He provides a dynamic pass-catching tight end, crucial for Rodgers, and fits seamlessly into the Steelers’ multiple tight end sets.
What key positions do the Dolphins still need after this trade?
Following the trade, the Miami Dolphins still face significant roster needs. Their cornerback position lacks established starters outside of the nickel spot. They will likely seek veteran free agents or rely heavily on young, unproven players. The team also lost Jonnu Smith’s receiving production at tight end. While they have potential blocking tight ends, they lack a proven pass-catching threat at the position and may need to add another player here as well.
This blockbuster exchange reshapes the rosters and expectations for both Pittsburgh and Miami. Football fans will get an early look at the players with their new teams when the Dolphins visit the Steelers in Week 15 on Monday Night Football.
