MIAMI, FL – The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly reached an agreement on a significant player exchange, pending the successful completion of physical examinations. The trade involves multiple key personnel and future draft capital, reshaping both rosters as they prepare for upcoming seasons.
Under the terms of the reported deal, the Miami Dolphins are set to acquire safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a fifth-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. In return, the Dolphins will send cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a seventh-round pick in the 2027 Draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Impact on the Miami Dolphins
The acquisition of Minkah Fitzpatrick marks a notable move for the Dolphins, bringing a proven safety back to Miami. The details surrounding Fitzpatrick’s tenure with the Steelers or specific performance metrics were not detailed in the initial reports of the transaction, but his arrival addresses a key position for the team.
The departure of two significant players like Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith necessitates adjustments for the Dolphins. Ramsey, a prominent cornerback, leaves a void in the team’s defensive backfield. With his move to Pittsburgh, cornerback Kader Kohou is projected to step into the primary cornerback role for the Dolphins looking ahead to the 2025 season.
The trade of tight end Jonnu Smith is particularly noteworthy given his performance in the most recent 2024 season. Smith experienced a career-best year with the Dolphins, setting what are reported as franchise records for a tight end with an impressive 88 receptions for 884 yards. He also tied his career high with 8 touchdowns. This output came after Smith had signed a two-year contract valued at $8.4 million with Miami.
Smith himself commented on his departure, stating he had aspired to conclude his professional career with the Dolphins. However, he indicated that the team was not “economically in a position to pay me like a Pro Bowl tight end,” suggesting financial considerations played a role in the team’s decision to move him.
Implications for the Pittsburgh Steelers
From the perspective of the Pittsburgh Steelers, this trade brings two experienced players to bolster their roster. Jalen Ramsey provides an immediate upgrade or reinforcement to their cornerback group, a position of perpetual importance in the modern NFL.
Acquiring Jonnu Smith adds a productive tight end to the Steelers’ offensive arsenal. Coming off a career year where he demonstrated significant receiving capabilities, Smith offers a dynamic option in the passing game, potentially complementing existing targets. The Steelers also receive a modest draft asset in the seventh round of the 2027 draft as part of the package.
Strategic Considerations and Roster Dynamics
Trades of this magnitude are often driven by a confluence of factors, including salary cap management, roster needs, player performance, and long-term strategic vision. For the Dolphins, moving Smith, despite his record-setting statistical year in 2024, appears linked to salary expectations and the team’s economic posture, as articulated by Smith himself. The decision to elevate Kader Kohou suggests confidence in his development and readiness for a more prominent role.
The acquisition of Fitzpatrick for Ramsey and Smith represents a significant reallocation of resources and talent. While the trade involves exchanging a high-profile cornerback and a recently productive tight end for a safety and draft capital, the specifics of each player’s contract situation post-trade were not immediately available, which are critical details in understanding the full financial implications for both franchises.
The inclusion of future draft picks, particularly the differential between the fifth and seventh rounds in 2027, underscores the nuanced valuation of the player package involved from each team’s perspective.
Looking Ahead
Both the Dolphins and Steelers will now integrate their new acquisitions and adjust their strategic planning accordingly. For Miami, the focus shifts to how Fitzpatrick fits into their defensive scheme and how the cornerback position evolves with Kohou stepping into a larger role. For Pittsburgh, the challenge will be maximizing the contributions of Ramsey and Smith within their offensive and defensive systems.
The finalization of the trade remains contingent on the players passing their physicals, a standard procedural step in NFL transactions. Should the trade be completed as agreed, it stands as one of the more impactful player movements of the current period, highlighting the complex interplay of player value, team needs, and financial realities in the league.
