In a trade that sent shockwaves across the NFL landscape, the Miami Dolphins have dealt three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, sources confirmed Monday.
As part of the deal, the Dolphins will also send a 2027 seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh and receive a 2027 fifth-round pick in return. Additionally, the trade involves major financial adjustments: Ramsey will receive a $1.5 million raise for the 2025 season, bumping his compensation to $26.6 million, while Smith inked a one-year, $12 million contract extension to remain in Pittsburgh through 2026.
Fitzpatrick, 28, now returns to the franchise that drafted him 11th overall in 2018, rekindling his journey with the Dolphins after a productive six-year stint in Pittsburgh. Originally traded by Miami in 2019 amid a defensive rebuild, Fitzpatrick blossomed into a defensive centerpiece for the Steelers, registering 20 career interceptions, including a career-high six in 2022.
Though injuries hampered his 2023 campaign—resulting in just one interception all season—Fitzpatrick bounced back late in the year and now heads back to Miami poised to rejuvenate a secondary in flux.
For Pittsburgh, this move marks another bold stroke in a rapidly aggressive offseason. The addition of Jalen Ramsey, a generational talent with 24 career interceptions, gives the Steelers a stacked cornerback room that already includes Joey Porter Jr. and recently signed Darius Slay Jr., another multi-time All-Pro. While Ramsey has been a career cornerback, there is speculation he could transition into a hybrid safety role, especially with Fitzpatrick now gone and DeShon Elliott the most experienced safety remaining.
Ramsey was acquired by the Dolphins from the Rams in 2023 and signed a three-year, $55 million extension that was later restructured into a $72.3 million deal before the 2024 season. Despite missing seven games last year, Ramsey earned a Pro Bowl selection, contributing 11 pass breakups and two interceptions.
Meanwhile, Jonnu Smith, 29, heads to Pittsburgh fresh off a record-setting season in Miami, where he posted 88 catches for 884 yards, both franchise records for a tight end. Smith led all Dolphins in receptions and ranked fourth in the league among tight ends in yardage behind only Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and George Kittle.
Smith reunites with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who coached him in Tennessee and previously brought him to Atlanta. Their longstanding relationship was a significant factor in the Steelers’ pursuit of the athletic tight end.
This trade continues a clear win-now trend for the Steelers, who have dramatically reshaped their roster. After acquiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers and trading for wide receiver DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh also parted ways with former top receiver George Pickens (traded to Dallas) and signed All-Pro Darius Slay in free agency.
By adding Ramsey and Smith, the Steelers not only reinforce their defense and passing attack but also send a loud message that they intend to contend immediately.
On the other side, the Dolphins continue a dramatic transformation of their roster. Ramsey becomes the fourth team captain to depart this offseason, joining Terron Armstead (retirement), Calais Campbell (Cardinals), and David Long Jr. (released). Fitzpatrick’s return offers a familiar and proven presence in the secondary, as the team pivots toward a new era under head coach Mike McDaniel.
With younger talent emerging and financial flexibility on the horizon, Miami appears to be carefully balancing its competitive ambitions with strategic roster management.
Key Trade Details:
- Steelers receive:
- CB Jalen Ramsey
- TE Jonnu Smith
- 2027 7th-round pick
- Dolphins receive:
- S Minkah Fitzpatrick
- 2027 5th-round pick
This move reshapes both franchises on each side of the ball, with the Steelers going all-in on a star-powered roster and the Dolphins reuniting with a foundational piece of their past. The 2025 season just got a lot more interesting.
