The Miami Dolphins pulled the trigger on a major roster shake-up, dealing defensive back Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round selection, multiple team sources confirmed.
Ramsey Makes It Official on Social Media
The 30-year-old Ramsey took to social media platform X on Monday to confirm his departure from South Beach, signaling the start of another chapter in his decorated career. Earlier this year, Dolphins GM Chris Grier had already suggested the organization was actively shopping Ramsey after internal discussions revealed that a mutual parting would benefit everyone involved. Grier made it clear that Ramsey hadn’t pushed for a trade or lobbied for a contract extension.
“You can’t just plug in someone overnight to replace what Jalen brings to the field,” Grier explained. “He’s been tremendous for our organization and has all the tools of a future Hall of Famer. But looking at where we are as a franchise, this move gives us the best shot to compete now and down the road.”
Strategic Timing and Cap Management
Ramsey had been dropping hints about his potential departure through cryptic X posts dating back to late May, sharing messages about “new beginnings” while expressing gratitude for his Miami experience. The Dolphins’ decision to wait until after June 1st wasn’t accidental—it’s all about managing the salary cap fallout. Had they moved Ramsey before that date, Miami would’ve eaten $25.2 million in dead money this season while creating an $8.6 million cap burden for 2025. By holding off, they can spread that dead money across multiple seasons, shaving nearly $10 million off Ramsey’s 2025 cap charge.
Ramsey’s Impressive Resume
A three-time first-team All-Pro selection and seven-time Pro Bowler, Ramsey locked in a three-year, $72.1 million extension before the 2024 campaign. While his deal runs through 2028, there’s no guaranteed money left after the 2025 season. Last year, he was a fixture in Miami’s secondary, starting every contest while collecting two picks, 11 pass breakups, 60 tackles, and even a sack.
Since Jacksonville selected him fifth overall in 2016, Ramsey has compiled some eye-catching numbers across nine NFL seasons: 24 interceptions (including one pick-six), 534 tackles, 108 pass deflections, six forced fumbles, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries. After his departure from Jacksonville, he played a key role in the Los Angeles Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl run before landing in Miami two seasons ago.
Smith Addresses Pittsburgh’s Tight End Needs
The Steelers’ pursuit of 29-year-old Jonnu Smith gained urgency after Donald Parham Jr. suffered what’s believed to be an Achilles injury during June’s offseason training activities. Smith just wrapped up his most productive season as a pro in 2024 with the Dolphins, hauling in 88 catches on 111 targets for 884 yards while matching his career-high with eight touchdown receptions.
This deal represents part of Pittsburgh’s broader offensive overhaul following last season’s wild-card playoff loss to Baltimore. The Steelers have already shipped wide receiver George Pickens to Dallas and chose not to retain running back Najee Harris or quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Instead, they brought in veteran Aaron Rodgers, the four-time MVP, on a one-year, $13.65 million deal, while also trading for receiver DK Metcalf before the draft.
Perfect Fit for Pittsburgh’s Tight End-Heavy Scheme
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has built his reputation around maximizing tight end usage. During 2024, Pittsburgh ran 163 plays in 13 personnel—featuring one running back and three tight ends—more than any other team in the league. Over 45% of their offensive snaps included at least two tight ends on the field.
The Steelers typically carried three tight ends on their 53-man roster but bumped that number to four last season to accommodate Smith’s philosophy. Pat Freiermuth handled most of the receiving duties, Darnell Washington primarily served as an inline blocker, and Connor Heyward filled a hybrid H-back/tight end role.
According to Steelers beat writer Mike DeFabo, “Smith brings the kind of well-rounded skill set that allows him to step into any of those three roles seamlessly.”
Pittsburgh’s Decision to Move On from Fitzpatrick
Back in 2019, Pittsburgh viewed Minkah Fitzpatrick as the final puzzle piece for their defense when they surrendered a first-round pick to acquire him. His reputation as a ball magnet and instinctive playmaker quickly established him among the league’s premier safeties. The Steelers showed their commitment in 2022 with a four-year, $72.988 million extension that made him the highest-paid safety in the game—a contract that still ranks fourth among safeties today.
Despite earning three straight Pro Bowl nods, Fitzpatrick’s production has tapered off recently. His interception numbers have nosedived, with just one pick over the last two seasons. While he remains solid in run support and maintains good field awareness, the 28-year-old appears to be on a slight downward trajectory. Rather than wait for further decline, the Steelers chose to make this aggressive move.
How Ramsey Fits into Pittsburgh’s Secondary
Ramsey joins the Steelers as a high-profile defensive back, though his specific role could vary based on Pittsburgh’s defensive creativity. While he’s established himself as an elite shutdown corner who’s still performing at a high level, Ramsey has safety experience from his Florida State days and has openly discussed transitioning to safety to extend his career.
Joey Porter Jr. currently holds down one outside cornerback spot. Before this trade, veteran Darius Slay—signed to a one-year, $10 million contract—was penciled in as the other starter, with Beanie Bishop handling nickel duties.
At safety, Pittsburgh recently locked up DeShon Elliott for two years at $12.5 million after his solid 2024 performance, while also adding Juan Thornhill during the offseason.
Given that the Steelers deploy subpackage defenses roughly 80% of the time and frequently use three-safety alignments, Ramsey’s versatility becomes a major asset. Whether lining up at outside corner, nickel, or safety depending on the defensive call, game plan, or matchup, his ability to shadow top receivers while moving between positions gives Pittsburgh’s defense both flexibility and deception, DeFabo noted.
(Photo of Jalen Ramsey: Rich Storry / Getty Images)
