Dolphins send Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to Steelers, receive Minkah Fitzpatrick in return deal
The National Football League (NFL) landscape has been shaken up by a significant trade between the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers. This deal, which involves star players Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, as well as Minkah Fitzpatrick and draft picks, is a strategic move by both teams aiming to bolster their rosters and compete at the highest level.
The Miami Dolphins, looking to restructure their roster, had been seeking to trade Jalen Ramsey since at least April 2025. Despite Ramsey's impressive career as a seven-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion, his trade value was expected to be limited, reflecting some uncertainty or urgency on Miami's part to move him. In return, the Dolphins are acquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick, a former All-Pro safety and a versatile defensive player, who was originally drafted by Miami in 2018.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, this trade represents an all-in approach to winning their first Super Bowl since 2008. Ramsey, a 30-year-old cornerback, bolsters their secondary with his veteran experience, while Jonnu Smith, a 29-year-old tight end, adds depth and experience to their offense. Smith, who had a career-best season in Miami with 884 yards and 8 touchdowns, is re-joining Arthur Smith, currently the offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh. Smith and Ramsey were previously with Arthur Smith in Tennessee and Atlanta.
The trade also includes draft picks going each way. Miami receives a 2027 fifth-round pick, while Pittsburgh gets Miami's 2027 seventh-round pick, balancing the deal with future assets. It is worth noting that Jonnu Smith's one-year contract extension in Pittsburgh is worth $12 million, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.
This trade was motivated by Miami's desire to move Ramsey while still receiving a high-calibre defensive player in Fitzpatrick, and Pittsburgh's push to strengthen their roster with a top-tier cornerback and tight end to compete immediately. Both teams addressed their positional needs and strategic goals with this blockbuster deal.
It is also worth mentioning that Minkah Fitzpatrick had requested a trade before being sent to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. Jalen Ramsey announced the trade on his social media account, and Jonnu Smith is re-joining Arthur Smith, who he worked with during his time with the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons.
In conclusion, this trade between the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers is a significant move in the NFL, with both teams aiming to improve their rosters and compete at the highest level. The acquisition of Minkah Fitzpatrick by the Dolphins and Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith by the Steelers could have a significant impact on the upcoming season.
The Miami Dolphins' acquisition of Minkah Fitzpatrick, a versatile defensive player, marks their goal to utilize American-football talents in their pursuit to restructure their roster. On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers have added Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, a top-tier cornerback and a skilled tight end, respectively, signifying their all-in strategy toward winning the Super Bowl, echoing the competitive spirit inherent in NFL sports.
