The NFL offseason took a dramatic turn when news broke that Jalen Ramsey would be traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The deal, which involved key players such as Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jonnu Smith, sent shockwaves across the league and signaled a shift for both teams involved.
While the trade itself made headlines, the deeper story centered on fit, timing, and the evolving cultures within each organization.
Miami Dolphins Insider Explains Why Jalen Ramsey Was Traded: Culture Clash and Rebuild Made Departure Inevitable
Ramsey’s move from the Dolphins felt sudden to many observers, especially considering Miami acquired him just two seasons ago to anchor a veteran-heavy defense with Super Bowl aspirations.
Those championship dreams never materialized, and now, the Dolphins are charting a new course focused on youth and long-term growth.
Omar Kelly, a longtime Dolphins insider and columnist for the Miami Herald, offered a candid breakdown of the move and didn’t sugarcoat it.
Is the Jalen Ramsey trade from Miami addition by subtraction? And why is Darren Waller unretiring from the #NFL and on his way to South Florida?#NFL #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/w9zB3lpXJa
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) July 1, 2025
“Jalen Ramsey, to best describe him, he is a mercenary,” Kelly said. “He’s a gun for hire. The Dolphins traded for him two years ago to make a title run, but they aren’t in that position right now.
“They are a team that’s clearly rebuilding and getting younger… Jalen and the culture of the locker room weren’t a good fit. The Dolphins feel like they have to change the culture of the team… That meant Jalen had to go.”
In other words, Ramsey’s intensity, personality, and superstar status simply did not align with the Dolphins’ current focus on building a younger, more sustainable roster. Beyond the cultural mismatch, financial considerations played a major role.
Ramsey’s hefty contract made it logical for Miami to move on, freeing up resources to invest in developing younger talent and reducing immediate pressure to win, which had been a struggle for the team in recent years.
Ramsey Finds Ideal Fit With Steelers as Dolphins Embrace Youth Movement in Culture-Shifting Trade
For Ramsey, the move to Pittsburgh may be exactly what he needed. The Steelers have long prided themselves on their aggressive, hard-nosed defensive identity and a culture centered on winning. Unlike the Dolphins, Pittsburgh is not in a rebuilding phase, and the team’s established locker room is well-suited for a player with Ramsey’s tenacity and leadership style.
This trade marks a significant turning point for both organizations. The Dolphins view the deal as the start of a new era, one focused on fostering a fresh culture and developing young talent. Meanwhile, Ramsey has the chance to make an impact on a high-profile team that values strong personalities and clear purpose.
Ultimately, the move appears to benefit both sides, even if the decision was not an easy one. The Dolphins gain financial flexibility and a renewed focus on their future, and Ramsey steps into a situation that matches his ambitions and playing style.