Miami, USA – In a significant transaction poised to reshape defensive and offensive landscapes for two prominent National Football League franchises, the Miami Dolphins have executed a major trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The deal, officially announced on Monday, July 1, 2025, involves the exchange of multiple high-profile players and future draft assets.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Dolphins are sending All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the Steelers. In return, Miami acquires All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round selection from Pittsburgh.
The trade quickly became public knowledge, with Jalen Ramsey himself confirming the move via a post on his X account shortly after the formal announcement.
Examining the Dolphins’ Strategy
The decision to trade Ramsey marks the culmination of discussions that began earlier in the year. Both Ramsey and the Dolphins organization had reportedly reached a mutual understanding to part ways, although Dolphins general manager Chris Grier had publicly stated in April that Ramsey had neither requested a trade nor sought additional compensation.
The move directly addresses a critical roster need for Miami following the departure of safety Jevon Holland, who joined the New York Giants in March. Acquiring Fitzpatrick, a versatile and highly-regarded safety, provides an immediate upgrade and fills a key defensive void. However, the trade simultaneously creates a notable vacancy at the tight end position with Jonnu Smith’s departure.
Ramsey, a premier cornerback known for his shutdown capabilities, was a significant asset for the Dolphins. His departure will undoubtedly necessitate adjustments in Miami’s defensive scheme and personnel deployment in the secondary.
Fitzpatrick’s Return to Pittsburgh
For Minkah Fitzpatrick, the trade signifies a return to familiar territory. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His tenure in Miami, though productive at times, was reportedly marked by displeasure regarding his assigned role within the Dolphins’ defensive system.
Returning to the team that drafted him offers Fitzpatrick an opportunity for a fresh start and potentially a role more aligned with his strengths and preferences. His presence is expected to bolster the Steelers’ secondary significantly, providing a proven playmaker with All-Pro credentials.
Jonnu Smith’s Impact and Contract Details
The inclusion of tight end Jonnu Smith in the package heading to Pittsburgh is particularly intriguing. Smith is set to reunite with Arthur Smith, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, under whom he previously played with success.
Jonnu Smith is coming off a career year in 2024 with the Dolphins, where he recorded an impressive 88 receptions for 884 receiving yards. His 884 receiving yards set a new franchise record for a tight end in Miami, highlighting his significant contribution to their offense last season.
Adding Smith provides the Steelers with a dynamic pass-catching tight end. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed that Smith is expected to receive a one-year contract extension from Pittsburgh. This extension is reportedly worth up to $12 million for the 2026 season, signaling the Steelers’ intent to integrate him as a key component of their offensive attack beyond the immediate future.
Financial Implications and Player Compensation
Beyond the exchange of players and draft picks, the trade also carries significant financial considerations. According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jalen Ramsey is slated to receive a $1.5 million raise for the upcoming 2025 season as part of the trade. This adjustment will increase his total compensation for 2025 to $26.6 million, reflecting his value and the Steelers’ commitment to his contract.
Details regarding Fitzpatrick’s financial terms with the Dolphins post-trade were not immediately available, but his current contract will now fall under Miami’s salary cap structure.
Pending Details and Initial Reactions
As is standard procedure in NFL trades, the transaction is currently pending the successful completion of physical examinations for the players involved. This is a routine step to ensure all parties are comfortable with the players’ health status before the deal is fully finalized.
Initial reactions to the trade have been mixed, particularly among those associated with the Dolphins. Former Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert publicly expressed criticism of the trade on his X account, suggesting that the move was not favorable from his perspective.
Strategic Outlooks for Both Franchises
The trade represents a calculated risk and strategic pivot for both the Dolphins and the Steelers.
For Miami, the priority appears to have been solidifying the safety position with an established star in Fitzpatrick while offloading Ramsey’s significant contract and accommodating his desire for a fresh start. While Fitzpatrick addresses the immediate need created by Holland’s departure, the void left by Smith at tight end will need to be addressed through other means, potentially the draft, free agency, or relying on existing roster depth.
For Pittsburgh, acquiring Ramsey provides an elite cornerback to strengthen their pass defense, pairing him with their existing defensive talent. The addition of Jonnu Smith gives Arthur Smith a familiar and productive weapon at tight end, enhancing their offensive versatility. While they part with Fitzpatrick, a defensive cornerstone, they gain a top-tier player at another premium position and add a dynamic offensive piece.
The draft pick exchange – Miami moving down two rounds in the 2027 draft – is a relatively minor consequence in a trade dominated by the player personnel shifts.
This multi-player, multi-asset deal underscores the complex roster management and strategic considerations that NFL front offices navigate in the pursuit of building a championship contender. The impact of this trade will be closely monitored as both the Dolphins and the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season and beyond.
