Steelers-Dolphins Blockbuster Trade Breakdown: Ramsey & Smith for Fitzpatrick
A jaw-dropping trade sends Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. We break down what this means for both teams, grade the deal, and assess how it could shape the 2025 NFL season.
In one of the most surprising trades of the 2025 NFL offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins have executed a major deal that sent shockwaves through the league. Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith are heading to the Steel City, while elite safety Minkah Fitzpatrick returns to the franchise that originally drafted him. Yes, you read that right.
Minkah Fitzpatrick — a defensive pillar in Pittsburgh for the past several seasons — has been traded back to the Dolphins. And in return, the Steelers get a veteran shutdown corner and a versatile tight end. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the trade, player fits, long-term implications, and our official grades for both teams.
### The Trade Details Pittsburgh Steelers Receive: - CB Jalen Ramsey - TE Jonnu Smith
Miami Dolphins Receive: - S Minkah Fitzpatrick
No draft picks. No conditional clauses. Just a straight-up swap of talent, value, and strategy.
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### Why the Steelers Did It Pittsburgh has always built its identity around tough, physical defense — but the secondary has shown cracks in recent years, especially at the cornerback position. With Patrick Peterson aging and Levi Wallace inconsistent, the Steelers lacked a true lockdown corner. Enter Jalen Ramsey.
Despite battling injuries over the last season, Ramsey remains one of the smartest, most physical cornerbacks in the NFL. He can shadow top receivers, play press coverage, and contribute as a blitzer. Mike Tomlin’s defensive scheme favors aggressive DBs who can trust their instincts — Ramsey fits that bill perfectly.
Jonnu Smith, meanwhile, gives the Steelers a legitimate receiving threat at tight end to pair with Pat Freiermuth or possibly play in two-TE sets. Smith’s speed and after-the-catch ability could open up intermediate passing lanes for Kenny Pickett (or whoever ends up under center in 2025). But the big question is: why give up Minkah Fitzpatrick?
### Letting Go of a Star Fitzpatrick has been a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s defense since arriving via trade from Miami in 2019.
He’s made All-Pro teams, led the secondary in leadership and playmaking, and defined the modern safety role with his hybrid ability. However, cap space concerns, scheme shifts, and long-term roster planning may have pushed the Steelers to consider other options. With the emergence of younger safeties like Damontae Kazee and the ability to draft future talent, the front office likely saw Ramsey as an upgrade in a more urgent position: corner.
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### Why the Dolphins Did It For Miami, the trade looks like a strategic recalibration. Vic Fangio’s departure as defensive coordinator left question marks around how Ramsey would be used moving forward. At the same time, Miami desperately needed a high-IQ safety to glue their secondary together.
Minkah Fitzpatrick solves that problem immediately. He’s an elite deep-field safety with great instincts, range, and tackling ability. His return to Miami brings the unit full circle — pairing him with Jevon Holland creates one of the most dangerous safety duos in the league.
Also, with young corners like Kader Kohou and Cam Smith developing, Ramsey became slightly expendable. And while Jonnu Smith adds versatility, the Dolphins have Mike Gesicki returning and depth in the tight end room. This move tightens the defense and gives them a long-term solution at free safety.
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### Player Impact Analysis #### Jalen Ramsey (Steelers) - Pros: Brings Super Bowl pedigree, elite ball skills, and versatility. Still capable of locking down WR1s. A vocal leader and tone-setter.
- Cons: Recent injury history. At 30, he’s not the same explosive athlete, but his intelligence compensates. - Fit: Excellent.
Steelers finally get a premier CB who can shadow and disrupt. #### Jonnu Smith (Steelers) - Pros: Speedy, athletic TE with yards-after-catch talent. Can be a mismatch against linebackers.
- Cons: Inconsistent hands. Production has fluctuated depending on offensive scheme. - Fit: Good.
Complements Freiermuth well. Could see red-zone uptick. #### Minkah Fitzpatrick (Dolphins) - Pros: High football IQ, elite range, turnover machine.
Excellent communicator in the back end. - Cons: Expensive contract. Has dealt with nagging injuries.
- Fit: Ideal. Can anchor a retooled Dolphins secondary and lead the defense. ---
### Salary Cap and Contract Considerations The Steelers take on Ramsey’s remaining $28M over two years and Smith’s $7.
5M salary. Not insignificant, but manageable. Meanwhile, the Dolphins absorb Fitzpatrick’s $19M per year extension — hefty, but justifiable for a defensive quarterback.
Both teams seem financially comfortable with the trade, suggesting this was more about fit than fiscal urgency. ---
### 2025 Season Outlook Impact Steelers: With T. J.
Watt, Alex Highsmith, and now Ramsey, Pittsburgh’s defense is terrifying on paper. If they can generate pressure up front, Ramsey could feast on forced throws. The offense still has questions, but Jonnu Smith adds needed flexibility.
Dolphins: Fangio may be gone, but Miami still has one of the fastest, most aggressive defenses. Fitzpatrick gives them a true captain in the secondary. Paired with their explosive offense, the Dolphins remain strong contenders in the AFC East.
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### Trade Grades Pittsburgh Steelers: B+ The Steelers filled two pressing needs with proven veterans. While Fitzpatrick is hard to let go, this could extend their defensive prime if Ramsey stays healthy. Miami Dolphins: A- A fantastic reunion move.
Fitzpatrick addresses Miami’s biggest defensive hole. Losing Ramsey hurts, but this could bring better balance to a team aiming for a deep playoff run. ---
### Final Thoughts NFL trades this bold are rare — and even rarer when both sides walk away with legitimate upgrades.
This one makes sense for both franchises. The Steelers gain a seasoned corner and a weapon for their young QB, while the Dolphins reunite with one of the smartest safeties in football to elevate their defensive ceiling. Minkah Fitzpatrick is back where it all started.
Jalen Ramsey now wears black and gold. Jonnu Smith has a fresh start. And the 2025 season just got a lot more interesting.
