Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Dolphins and Steelers Involved in Big Player Swap Featuring Jalen Ramsey

Minkah Fitzpatrick is back where it all started for the All-Pro safety

Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers just pulled off a big trade on June 30, which saw both teams shake up their rosters, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

As per reports, the Dolphins have sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Steelers, who in return have sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to Miami. Both teams have also traded picks, with the Steelers receiving a 2027 seventh-round pick, while Miami receives a 2027 fifth-round pick in return.

As per NFL Insider, Adam Schefter, Ramsey is set to receive a raise of $1.5 million this year, which brings his total to $26.6 million on the year. While the Steelers will pay the major portion of his salary, the Dolphins will pay $3 million.

ESPN Sources: The Miami Dolphins have agreed to trade three-time All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As a part of the trade, Ramsey will get a $1.5 million raise this season, bringing his 2025 compensation up to $26.6 million.

Steelers get their man and Ramsey… pic.twitter.com/kLMgYfwt34
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2025

What Does This Trade Mean to the Steelers’ Secondary?

The Steelers have had one of their busiest off-seasons in recent history. While the offense has seen additions in the form of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf, the defense has also seen its fair share of changes.

Pittsburgh already has one of the better secondaries in the league, at least on paper. They acquired recent Super Bowl winner Darius Slay from the Eagles as well as two-time champion Juan Thornhill in the offseason. They also have Joey Porter Jr., who has been a solid outside corner for the past couple of seasons.

Ramsey has played the corner position for most of his career, but now, Pittsburgh may plan to play him at safety, as losing Fitzpatrick has left a big void. Another option the Steelers could look at is playing Ramsey at the nickel position, with DeShon Elliott taking up the role of strong safety.

Where Will Fitzpatrick Play for the Dolphins?

Minkah Fitzpatrick’s role with the Dolphins will see him continue at the safety position. After all, it was the same issue that forced him out of South Florida in 2019. Having drafted the All-Pro safety with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, the Dolphins’ decision to play him at corner left Fitzpatrick wanting out after just two games in his second season.

After going to Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick turned into one of the better players in the secondary and has improved leaps and bounds from when he left Miami the first time. He will have to be the anchor for the Dolphins, however, because the other pieces of their secondary are relatively inexperienced.

𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨, 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗔𝗛!

▪️ 6 seasons
▪️ 88 games
▪️ 18 INT
▪️ 516 tackles
▪️ 3 INT TDs
▪️ 45 pass deflections

A true leader and the heartbeat of the Steelers’ defense. Pittsburgh will never forget.#NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/3aKbTEzwXl
— The Standard (@TheStandard412) June 30, 2025

What Impact Does the Jonnu Smith Trade Have on Both Teams?

Jonnus Smith is coming off a career-best year in Miami. Having signed a two-year contract with the Dolphins just last year, Miami was able to utilise him primarily as a pass-catching tight end.

Last season, Smith had 88 receptions for 884 yards and 8 touchdowns. Those numbers will be difficult to fill given the state of their tight end room. On the other hand, Pittsburgh has gained a reliable pass-catching tight end to back up their number one, Pat Freiermuth.

Overall, it is probably safe to say that the Steelers have done well with the addition of Ramsey in their secondary. The Steelers are going all in with all the offseason moves they have made. The question now is whether or not it is enough to bring back another Lombardi Trophy in the end?

Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

jalen ramsey

jalen ramsey trade

Minkah Fitzpatrick

NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers

Devavrat Kulkarni

nfl

I am a content writer for the NFL team, and joined The Playoffs after working with Sportskeeda and NFL Analysis as an NFL writer. After starting my professional career as a French-to-English translator, working as a content writer is a new adventure for me. I started out in the sports media field for two main reasons: my love for sports in general, especially the NFL, NBA, and Tennis, as well as my passion for writing. The best part of this job is that I get to write a variety of pieces with the freedom to explore content from various angles. It also enables me to stay up to date with the sporting world, which otherwise can be difficult to do in the day-to-day grind. In a world full of chaos, sports unite and entertain like nothing else!