Steelers' trade negotiations with Jalen Ramsey were a long-standing matter
Jalen Ramsey Joins Pittsburgh Steelers in Blockbuster Trade
In a move that reshapes the Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary, Jalen Ramsey was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Steelers in late June 2025. The deal sent Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Steelers in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick [1][2][4].
The trade was the culmination of weeks of negotiation between Ramsey, his representation, and both teams involved. Key behind-the-scenes details include:
- Role Negotiations: Before the trade was finalized, Ramsey spoke directly with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan to understand how he would fit into Pittsburgh’s defense. Ramsey wanted assurance about his playing position on the Steelers’ defense, and this was clearly defined to secure his agreement [2].
- Contract and Financial Terms: Ramsey signed a four-year deal with the Steelers worth $84.7 million, including $19.5 million guaranteed. For the 2025 season, Ramsey’s salary increased by $1.5 million to $26.6 million. The Steelers absorbed most of Ramsey’s salary, while the Dolphins paid $3 million for this season. Jonnu Smith received a one-year, $12 million contract extension from the Steelers [1][4].
- Motivation and Atmosphere: Ramsey has expressed appreciation for the Steelers and their culture, highlighting respect for head coach Mike Tomlin, which contrasts with his previous experience in Miami. Without explicitly naming people, Ramsey hinted that dissatisfaction with the Dolphins' coaching and organizational culture partly motivated his request for a trade [5].
- Trade Timing and Complexity: The trade had been "in the works for a little minute," indicating ongoing discussions and the need for all parties to agree on terms, including salary details and Ramsey’s defensive role, before concluding the deal in late June 2025 [2].
- Reactions and Early Impressions: While Ramsey is confident and positive about his new role in Pittsburgh, the Dolphins have faced scrutiny regarding the value of the trade, as their secondary talent was questioned, and they have struggled to replace Ramsey’s boundary coverage impact [3].
In his 10th NFL season in 2024, Ramsey recorded 60 tackles - 39 solo and 21 assisted - along with one sack and two interceptions for seven yards. He was a three-time All-Pro before the trade, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, a cornerstone of the Steelers' secondary before the trade, is a three-time All-Pro as well.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their second preseason matchup on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET. Ramsey's presence is expected to bolster the Steelers' defense, which ranked among the league's most opportunistic units in 2024, finishing with 18 interceptions.
Jalen Ramsey appreciates the open communication he had with the Dolphins during the trade process, and the Steelers opened their preseason schedule with a 31-25 road victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
[1] - ESPN [2] - Sports Illustrated [3] - CBS Sports [4] - NFL Network [5] - Pro Football Talk
