The Pittsburgh Steelers are chasing a Super Bowl, and they have added a defensive back and a tight end. The Miami Dolphins agreed to a blockbuster trade with Pittsburgh that further bolsters both sides of the ball, following their acquisition of Aaron Rodgers earlier this month. Mike Tomlin and crew are going all-out as the Steelers look for their first playoff win since 2016.
Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith Trade: Steelers Send Minkah Fitzpatrick Back to Dolphins, Boost Defensive Power
Ian Rapoport reported that Jalen Ramsey will make $26.6 million as the Steelers have loaded up on defense.
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The #Dolphins and #Steelers have finalized a blockbuster trade to send All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh, sources tell me and @TomPelissero.
Ramsey’s adjusted contract includes a $1.5M raise in 2025 making his salary $26.6M this year. Pittsburgh loads up. pic.twitter.com/hmRehEf4zS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 30, 2025
Moments after the Ramsey news broke, a plot twist emerged: The Dolphins agreed to include tight end Jonnu Smith in the deal with Pittsburgh shipping Minkah Fitzpatrick back to Miami. Pittsburgh had been courting Smith, who previously worked with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, most of the offseason.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Smith will get a one-year contract extension for $12 million.
The final details, per Tom Pelissero: Ramsey, Smith, and a 2027 seven-round NFL Draft pick in exchange for Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-rounder.
Full trade terms per me and @RapSheet:
Dolphins have agreed to trade CB Jalen Ramsey, TE Jonnu Smith and a 2027 7th round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for S Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 5th round pick. pic.twitter.com/npKjAyEydb
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 30, 2025
Having lost in the Wild Card round in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024, adding the likes of Rodgers, Ramsey, and Smith could be enough for Tomlin’s team to make an impact beyond the usual .500 record and Wild Card appearance they’ve been used to making.
This trade sends Fitzpatrick back to the Dolphins, with Ramsey joining Darius Slay Jr., Joey Porter Jr., and Deshon Elliott in the secondary. With five quality cornerbacks, the Steelers appear to be set on defense. Rodgers has already proclaimed this is likely his final season in the league, and the team is not holding back from putting their best team forward.
Smith will join Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington in Pittsburgh’s tight end room. The Pro Bowler enjoyed a career year in 2024 with 884 yards on 88 receptions and eight touchdowns.
Having improved on both sides of the ball, the Steelers are looking to build on their back-to-back 10-7 seasons. Last season marked the first time Pittsburgh had a positive point differential since 2020, when the team went 12-4. Now, with a much more talented quarterback and an even stronger defensive presence, they’re looking to build on that +33 point differential.
In April, it was reported that Ramsey and the Dolphins “mutually agreed” to explore their trade options. It took well over two months, but a deal was finally implemented. Pittsburgh is giving Ramsey a $1.5 million raise as part of the deal. It’s one that he’s earned as he’ll be playing on his third team in the last four seasons.
Ramsey’s NFL career began in Jacksonville before he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. He then spent two seasons in Miami, where he had 82 total tackles in 27 games with the team. He was able to grab five more interceptions on his time with the Dolphins, increasing his career total to 24.
Donte Jackson led the Steelers with five interceptions last season, but he’s no longer on the team. The Los Angeles Chargers signed Jackson, with Beanie Bishop Jr., the player who finished second on the team in interceptions (four), remaining on the team.
