The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers made waves around the NFL this morning with a blockbuster trade involving two star defensive backs. The Dolphins traded stud cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Steelers also received tight end Jonnu Smith and a 2027 fifth-round pick in the deal, while the Dolphins added a 2027 fifth-round pick of their own.
Steelers Outlook
The Steelers are stacking talent on an already loaded defense. Ramsey now joins Joey Porter Jr. in the secondary, forming a terrifying duo for opposing quarterbacks. With a front seven that features T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, and Derrick Harmon, Pittsburgh has reloaded in a big way for the 2025 season. On offense, the Steelers add another weapon for Aaron Rodgers in Jonnu Smith. Smith led the Dolphins in receptions last season with 88, which was more than both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Steelers have now added Smith, DK Metcalf, Rodgers, and rookie Kaleb Johnson to completely overhaul an offense that fell flat down the stretch in 2024.
Dolphins Outlook
For Miami, this trade was about moving off two players who no longer fit their future. Both Ramsey and Smith were reportedly unhappy. Smith wanted a contract extension after his breakout 2024 season, but the Dolphins didn’t view him as a long-term piece. Ramsey was seen as too expensive and past his prime. Miami made it a priority to shed his contract this offseason. While the Dolphins’ secondary struggled last year, they now add a familiar face and star power in Fitzpatrick. He should bring some much-needed stability to a shaky unit. Young corner Cam Smith will be asked to step up and help fill the void left by Ramsey.
Overview
At the end of the day, both teams are betting big on change. The Steelers are rolling the dice by moving on from Fitzpatrick, arguably the best player in the deal, and hoping Ramsey brings a similar level of impact. The Dolphins lose their 2024 receptions leader and one of the league’s most gifted corners. Whether or not the moves pay off will be one of the most interesting storylines of the 2025 season.
