Dolphins trade Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith for Minkah Fitzpatrick

On June 30, 2025, the Miami Dolphins executed a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, sending All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith along with a 2027 seventh-round draft pick in exchange for All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. This trade marks a significant shift for both teams involved, as Ramsey is expected to significantly bolster the Steelers' secondary, which struggled with passing defense last season. The trade comes after mutual discussions between Ramsey and the Dolphins for a potential separation, indicating a cooperation between the player and the organization for a favorable outcome. Jalen Ramsey, 30, had an outstanding career, being a Super Bowl champion and a seven-time Pro Bowler, accumulating notable statistics including 534 total tackles and 24 interceptions. Jonnu Smith, who turned 29, has been an effective tight end, logging in 307 receptions and making a considerable impact during his career-high season in Miami. The Dolphins had initially brought Ramsey on board through a trade with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023, only for it to be clear that he was seeking a change of scenery after two seasons at Miami. In return, the Steelers acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick, who originally started his NFL career with the Dolphins after being selected 11th overall in the 2018 draft. Fitzpatrick had a stellar tenure with Pittsburgh, notching five Pro Bowl appearances and leading the NFL in interceptions in 2022. The trade represents a reunion for Fitzpatrick with the franchise that drafted him and reestablishes his role in a secondary that has undergone significant changes recently. The Steelers' coaching staff hopes that this trade will address their defensive shortcomings, especially given the NFL’s increasing focus on passing offenses, while also enhancing their offensive options with the addition of a promising tight end like Smith. Furthermore, both teams are taking strategic steps in preparing for the coming seasons, aiming to refine their rosters to compete effectively in their respective divisions. Talks about contract adjustments were also reported for Ramsey, ensuring he would receive a $1.5 million raise, while Smith secured a one-year contract extension worth $12 million, enhancing the narrative of both parties working towards a new chapter in Pittsburgh.