The NFL offseason was rocked by a blockbuster trade between the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers that sent shockwaves through the league’s landscape heading into the upcoming season.
The Steelers landed three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey along with Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, while the Dolphins received All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. This star-for-star (and then some) swap is notable not only for the caliber of players involved but also for the strategic implications it carries for both franchises.
What does this bold move mean for the Dolphins and the Steelers and their plans to contend in the loaded AFC in 2025? We grade the trade for both sides.
Breaking Down the Jalen Ramsey-Jonnu Smith-Minkah Fitzpatrick Trade Details
The trade was first reported by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, as well as NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, on X.
Full terms of Monday’s Steelers-Dolphins blockbuster:
Steelers get:
🏈CB Jalen Ramsey
🏈TE Jonnu Smith
🏈2027 7th-round pickDolphins get:
🏈S Minkah Fitzpatrick
🏈2027 5th-round pick https://t.co/OvqRLfb2dr— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2025
“ESPN sources: Steelers traded three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins in exchange for three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey,” Schefter posted.
The complete trade package includes the Steelers receiving Ramsey, Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick. On the other side, the Dolphins are getting Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round selection. Pittsburgh is reportedly giving Ramsey a $1.5 million raise, bringing his salary up to $26.6 million on the year.
Let’s grade the haul for each side to see which team got the better end of the deal.
Miami Dolphins Analysis: Secondary Gets Upgrade, but Jalen Ramsey Loss Exposes Depth
The Dolphins’ decision to move on from both Ramsey and Smith appears to be rooted in the desire for financial flexibility. Miami relieves itself of Ramsey’s massive contract. His $16.6 million cap hit for 2025 was among the highest for cornerbacks, according to Spotrac. Fitzpatrick’s contract is more manageable, with a $15.5 million base salary this season and $17.6 million next year, giving Miami added flexibility to address other roster needs.
By reuniting with Fitzpatrick, who started his career in Miami after getting drafted with the 11th overall pick in 2018, the Dolphins upgrade a safety group that was set to rely on late-round picks and journeymen. Miami moved on from Jevon Holland this offseason, and Fitzpatrick is a proven veteran who can operate alongside Ifeatu Melifonwu.
Fitzpatrick, who made three All-Pro teams and five Pro Bowls during his time in Pittsburgh, brings elite ball skills and versatility. Over his seven NFL seasons, he’s recorded 20 interceptions and 54 pass breakups, per Pro Football Reference, ranking among the league’s top safeties in both categories.
Fitzpatrick also boasts a proven track record as a tackler and playmaker, recording 96 tackles last season. His career 8.7% forced incompletion rate is among the best at his position.
Losing Ramsey does come at a cost, though. The Dolphins’ pass defense was already a below-average unit, finishing 20th in pass defense success rate (53.5%) last season. Moving on from Ramsey only exposes their deficiencies even more.
Relying on a group of Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner, Cam Smith, and Jason Marshall Jr. heading into the 2025 season isn’t a viable solution, so it would be wise for Miami to pursue someone like Stephon Gilmore or Asante Samuel Jr., both of whom are still available.
As for Smith, he’s coming off easily the most productive season of his NFL career, earning a Pro Bowl nod for the first time. Without another proven option on the roster, we could see the Dolphins deploy a committee at tight end this season, and Smith will be difficult to replace. Still, Miami has plenty of offensive firepower to be efficient in 2025.
Dolphins Grade: C+
Steelers Analysis: Ramsey Bolsters Elite Cornerback Trio in Pittsburgh
The Steelers are doubling down on their cornerback room, as Ramsey now joins Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr., forming a dynamic group on the back end. Even though Ramsey will turn 31 during the upcoming season and seemed to regress a bit last season, the seven-time Pro Bowler remains one of the NFL’s premier corners.
In 2024, Ramsey allowed just a 62.0% completion rate when targeted and recorded two interceptions with 11 pass breakups across 17 games. It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh deploys Ramsey within its defense, as he does have experience playing the nickel spot, even if it’s never been his primary position. Regardless, with Ramsey, Slay, and Porter, the Steelers have one of the most talented cornerback groups in the league.
Ramsey’s leadership and championship pedigree also bring intangible value to a defense that already features other proven stars like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. Though Ramsey’s arrival draws excitement, Pittsburgh must replace Fitzpatrick, who’s been a staple on the back end. Perhaps, they see DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill as the starting safety duo.
Smith, meanwhile, adds a versatile weapon to the Steelers’ offense. In 2024, he caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, while averaging 5.8 yards after catch per reception. His ability to create mismatches in the middle of the field should complement the Steelers’ receiving corps and provide a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers, alongside DK Metcalf.
The Steelers have a long way to go before we start declaring them legitimate contenders in the crowded AFC, but they added talent to both sides of the ball, which is a solid start.
Steelers Grade: B+