The NFL offseason rarely stays quiet for long. Just when the football world seemed to settle into a lull, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins ignited headlines with a significant player swap in late June. This move, sending stars Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick to new homes, immediately reshaped the outlooks for both franchises. The deal involved more than just the headline names, signaling strategic shifts and high-stakes gambles for each organization. Let’s break down the complex layers of this blockbuster trade and identify the key winners and losers.
Analyzing the Blockbuster Swap
This rare player-for-player trade, especially involving two prominent defensive backs, captured immediate attention. Beyond the defensive stars, the transaction also included tight end Jonnu smith moving east to Pittsburgh and a subtle draft pick exchange. Such mid-offseason moves often reflect teams prioritizing immediate needs or making tough financial decisions, and this trade appears to encompass both for Pittsburgh and Miami.
Trade Details at a Glance
The core components of the deal are straightforward but carry significant implications.
Pittsburgh Steelers Acquired: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Tight End Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick.
Miami Dolphins Acquired: Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.
While rumors had linked Ramsey and Smith to potential moves earlier in the offseason, Fitzpatrick’s inclusion added a dramatic, unexpected twist. Notably, the Steelers managed this acquisition without sacrificing any draft capital in the critical 2026 NFL Draft, a fact that fuels speculation about their future plans, potentially targeting a quarterback in that class. For Miami, the deal brought back a familiar face in Fitzpatrick, aiming to address needs created by other offseason departures.
Winners of the Ramsey-Fitzpatrick Deal
Several key figures and team aspects appear to benefit from the outcomes of this trade.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Offensive Reinforcement
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, recently acquired by the Steelers, seems like a major beneficiary. Pittsburgh is clearly adopting an “all-in” philosophy for the 2025 season, building a roster designed for immediate Super Bowl contention. Beyond this trade, the Steelers added receiver DK Metcalf, providing Rodgers with a true top target. The tight end room, now featuring Jonnu Smith alongside Pat Freiermuth, boasts two players who combined for 150 catches last season. With upgrades in the backfield like rookie Kaleb Johnson and a stabilized offensive line, Rodgers has a formidable supporting cast. The comparisons to the Jets’ past struggles with Rodgers are valid, but Pittsburgh’s influx of talent offers a clearer pathway to offensive success if the pieces gel.
Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith also looks like a winner. The personnel moves strongly suggest General Manager Omar Khan and Coach Mike Tomlin are prioritizing Smith’s vision. After reportedly missing out on Kyle Pitts, Smith secured Jonnu Smith, a player he coached and favored heavily in both Tennessee and Atlanta. This marks their third collaboration. Smith, known for his “tight end-head” tendencies, now commands a versatile group with Jonnu Smith, Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington. The Steelers already led the league in three-tight end (13 personnel) usage last season (15% of snaps) and were heavy in two-tight end sets (over 25%). These figures are likely to increase, giving Arthur Smith a diverse “toy box” to exploit. If the Steelers’ offense falters this season, it won’t be due to a lack of talent surrounding Rodgers.
Jalen Ramsey’s New Opportunity
Jalen Ramsey gets the fresh start he reportedly sought away from Miami. Landing with a high-profile Steelers team aggressively pursuing a Super Bowl run likely feels like a positive shift from his previous situation. Financially, the move included a $1.5 million raise for Ramsey in 2025, adding to funds already paid by the Dolphins. A strong season could position the 30-year-old for another extension, even as he enters his 30s. New teammate Darius Slay’s 2023 extension at age 32 provides a recent example of cornerbacks securing significant deals later in their careers.
For the Steelers, Ramsey’s contract structure, with no guaranteed money after 2025, effectively makes this a low-risk, high-reward one-year trial. He joins a potentially dominant defense anchored by a strong front seven. Ramsey’s versatility allows him to impact coverage and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. While replacing Minkah Fitzpatrick’s unique contributions won’t be simple, the Steelers now possess the pieces for a top-tier defense. Ramsey and Slay can provide veteran leadership in the secondary.
Minkah Fitzpatrick’s Return to Miami
Minkah Fitzpatrick returns to the Dolphins, the team that originally drafted him but where his first stint was challenging due to coaching changes and role conflicts. This return offers a chance to rewrite his narrative with the franchise. With significant turnover in the Dolphins’ secondary following Ramsey’s departure and Jevon Holland’s exit, Fitzpatrick is positioned to immediately become a vital leader and stabilizing force.
Unlike his previous tenure under Brian Flores, the current Dolphins staff, including Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver, is expected to utilize Fitzpatrick effectively. Although competing for a Super Bowl might be less probable in Miami than Pittsburgh this season, becoming a consistent rock for the Dolphins’ defense could position the 28-year-old for another contract extension before his current deal expires next fall. He is also two years younger than Ramsey, representing a slightly longer-term asset for Miami.
Losers from the Trade
Conversely, certain aspects and individuals face increased challenges or negative impacts from this transaction.
Miami Dolphins’ Offensive Questions
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, despite signing a major extension a year prior, faces added uncertainty. The departure of Jonnu Smith removes a key target who saw significant volume, nearing Tyreek Hill’s target count late last season. This compounds existing concerns around Tagovailoa’s injury history. Furthermore, questions linger about the consistency of his remaining top weapons. Tyreek Hill, now 31, is coming off a less dominant season, and Jaylen Waddle showed inconsistency in his development. While the offense still boasts firepower with Hill, Waddle, Tua, and De’Von Achane, losing a reliable outlet like Smith creates a void. The offense could face significant struggles if injuries or performance dips affect core players.
Pressure on Mike McDaniel
Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel enters a crucial period. Following two playoff appearances, an 8-9 record last season has increased scrutiny. Trading away the team’s leading pass-catcher (Smith) and arguably most talented defender (Ramsey) for a player who previously struggled with the organization (Fitzpatrick) is a high-risk move. While Ramsey was likely to be traded anyway and McDaniel’s scheme doesn’t demand a high-volume tight end, the trade undeniably reduces the team’s proven talent and depth. The competitive AFC East landscape is intensifying, with division rivals like the Bills remaining strong and the Patriots and Jets making notable offseason improvements. McDaniel is no longer the newcomer; he must demonstrate an ability to return the team to success after significant personnel changes.
Dolphins’ Secondary Depth Concerns
The Dolphins’ exterior defense faces a daunting task in 2025. Replacing Jalen Ramsey is challenging, and the unit underwent significant changes even before this trade. While Minkah Fitzpatrick’s arrival fills a major void and provides versatility, the depth behind him and alongside him is questionable. Cornerback Kader Kohou appears to be the only other established player in the secondary. Unproven players like Storm Duck, Cam Smith, and rookie Jason Marshall Jr., along with veteran safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis, create significant uncertainty. The team has invested heavily in the pass rush, which could potentially ease pressure on the secondary. However, for this defensive unit to succeed, multiple young or new players must exceed expectations quickly.
Pat Freiermuth’s Potential Role Shift
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, a reliable contributor who recently received a significant extension, could see his role diminish. The Steelers’ determined pursuit of Jonnu Smith, largely driven by Arthur Smith’s known preference for the player, suggests Smith will have a prominent role in the offense. While Arthur Smith excels at utilizing multiple tight ends, Jonnu Smith’s high usage rate in past collaborations raises questions about how snaps and targets will be distributed, potentially impacting Freiermuth’s individual production despite the potential for the overall offense to improve.
Contract Implications and Future Flexibility
The trade significantly impacts the salary cap for both teams. Jalen Ramsey’s restructured contract includes a $26.6 million salary for 2025, providing him with a raise. After 2025, however, the Steelers have potential cap flexibility with no guaranteed money left on his deal. Releasing him before June 2026 could save over $3 million against the cap with a large dead cap hit, or spread the hit with a post-June 1 designation.
Minkah Fitzpatrick is under contract with Miami through 2026, with cap hits of $15.5 million in 2025 and $17.6 million in 2026. The Dolphins gain flexibility by potentially saving $10.7 million by releasing him after the 2025 season, incurring a $6.9 million dead cap hit in 2026. Jonnu Smith’s move included a one-year, $12 million extension with the Steelers, taking effect after his final contract year. This provides Smith with a significant pay bump while giving the Steelers flexibility beyond 2025. The contract details reflect the calculated risks and potential future options both teams are building into their rosters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly was the player and pick exchange in the Steelers-Dolphins trade?
In the trade, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick. The Miami Dolphins received safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick in return. This was a notable swap involving two prominent defensive backs and added offensive talent and late-round draft capital for both sides.
How does this trade impact the Steelers’ Super Bowl chances?
The trade significantly boosts the Steelers’ “all-in” strategy for the 2025 season. Acquiring Jalen Ramsey bolsters a defense already seen as potentially dominant. Adding Jonnu Smith, combined with other offseason moves like DK Metcalf and rookie Kaleb Johnson, provides quarterback Aaron Rodgers and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith with substantial talent upgrades. While a Super Bowl run is not guaranteed, the trade adds key pieces perceived to move Pittsburgh closer to elite contention.
Why is Jonnu Smith’s addition significant for the Steelers’ offense?
Jonnu Smith’s arrival is significant because he is a favored player of Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, having played for him previously in Tennessee and Atlanta. Smith is known for utilizing multiple tight ends heavily. Adding Jonnu Smith, who is coming off a career year with 88 receptions, provides a versatile target alongside Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, likely increasing the Steelers’ already high usage of multi-tight end personnel sets and giving Arthur Smith more options for creative play-calling.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Gamble
The Steelers-Dolphins trade represents a bold mid-offseason maneuver with potential franchise-altering consequences. For the Steelers, it underscores an aggressive commitment to winning now, assembling a veteran-laden roster around Aaron Rodgers with significant offensive and defensive talent upgrades. The addition of Ramsey and Smith signals a clear push for immediate contention, albeit potentially at the cost of future draft capital depth (though preserving 2026 picks).
For the Dolphins, the trade marks a continuation of roster reshaping under pressure. Losing key offensive and defensive playmakers while bringing back a player who previously sought to leave is a calculated risk. While Minkah Fitzpatrick offers talent and leadership, the depth concerns, particularly in the secondary, and questions around the offense put significant pressure on Coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to perform immediately. Both teams have made their bets; the 2025 season will reveal who played their hand most effectively.
