On June 30, 2025, the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers executed a blockbuster trade, reshaping both teams’ rosters ahead of the 2025 NFL season. The Dolphins acquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, while sending cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh. The deal, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and other sources, marks a significant shift for both franchises, with Miami addressing a critical need in its secondary and Pittsburgh bolstering its defense and passing game.
Trade Details
- Pittsburgh Steelers receive:
- CB Jalen Ramsey (three-time All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler)
- TE Jonnu Smith (2024 Pro Bowler)
- 2027 seventh-round pick
- Miami Dolphins receive:
- S Minkah Fitzpatrick (three-time All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler)
- 2027 fifth-round pick
- Financials:
- Ramsey’s 2025 salary rises to $26.6 million with a $1.5 million raise, with Miami covering $3 million.
- Smith signs a one-year, $12 million extension with Pittsburgh for 2026.
- Fitzpatrick’s $15.5 million cap hit for 2025 provides Miami with $10 million in cap relief.
Impact on the Dolphins
Miami welcomes back Fitzpatrick, their 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, who was traded to Pittsburgh in 2019 after a rift with then-coach Brian Flores over his role. Fitzpatrick, 28, returns as a proven elite safety, with 20 interceptions and 608 tackles in 106 career games, though his production dipped with just one interception since 2023. His homecoming fills a glaring hole in Miami’s secondary, which lost safeties Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer to free agency and cornerback Kendall Fuller to release. The Dolphins, coming off an 8-9 season and a playoff miss, aim to rebuild their defense around Fitzpatrick’s versatility, with a potential return to his 2022 form (six interceptions) seen as a game-changer. However, losing Ramsey, their best corner, and Smith, who set franchise tight end records with 88 catches and 884 yards in 2024, weakens their secondary and passing game. The trade aligns with GM Chris Grier’s focus on cap flexibility ($10 million gained) and future planning, especially with Tua Tagovailoa’s $39.2 million cap hit looming in 2025.
Impact on the Steelers
Pittsburgh, under GM Omar Khan, continues an aggressive offseason, adding Ramsey and Smith to a roster already featuring quarterback Aaron Rodgers, receiver DK Metcalf, and cornerback Darius Slay Jr. Ramsey, 30, joins a crowded cornerback room with Slay and Joey Porter Jr., potentially transitioning to safety to replace Fitzpatrick, though his 2024 stats (60 tackles, two interceptions, 83.2 passer rating allowed) suggest he remains a lockdown corner. Smith, reunited with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, enhances Pittsburgh’s passing attack alongside Pat Freiermuth, addressing a need after trading George Pickens. The Steelers’ defense, already loaded, gains flexibility with Ramsey’s multi-positional skills, but the loss of Fitzpatrick, a cornerstone since 2019 with 18 interceptions in 88 starts, leaves a gap at free safety, likely filled by Juan Thornhill or DeShon Elliott. Pittsburgh’s all-in approach for 2025, with Rodgers in his likely final season, positions them as Super Bowl contenders, though Ramsey’s $26.6 million cap hit and Smith’s extension add financial strain.
Sentiment and Outlook
The trade has sparked varied reactions. Dolphins fans, via posts on X, celebrated Fitzpatrick’s return, with the team’s official account welcoming him back, but some, like former Dolphin Raheem Mostert, criticized Miami’s treatment of Pro Bowlers. Steelers fans, such as @Pickettsburgh8, expressed frustration, feeling Pittsburgh overpaid. Analysts view the trade as a win for Pittsburgh’s immediate contention but note Miami’s long-term cap benefits and secondary upgrade with Fitzpatrick. The teams will face off in Week 15 on Monday Night Football, adding intrigue to this high-stakes swap.
This trade reflects Miami’s pivot toward rebuilding and Pittsburgh’s aggressive push for a championship, with both teams banking on their new acquisitions to deliver in a pivotal 2025 season.
