Steelers and Dolphins Swap Stars: Ramsey and Smith for Fitzpatrick in Blockbuster Trade
Alright, buckle up, sports fans, because the NFL just dropped a trade bomb so loud it could probably be heard in another time zone. The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers basically swapped superstar assets in a deal that has the league buzzing.
Here’s the juice: Miami handed over All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Steelers. In return, the Dolphins snagged back All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who they originally drafted in 2018, plus a nicer 2027 fifth-round pick.
Yeah, you read that right. It’s a full-on, season-shaping swap of game-changing players. Ramsey and Fitzpatrick? Both three-time All-Pros (a rare feat to trade former All-Pros for one another, by the way). That’s like trading two Ferrari engines trying to rev up some new horsepower on each side.
Now, let’s break down the messy undercurrents here. Ramsey himself spilled the beans on X, confirming the deal. Turns out, Ramsey and the Dolphins had agreed earlier this year it was time to part ways but kept it hush-hush about exactly why.
Dolphins GM Chris Grier said Ramsey didn’t storm in demanding a trade or a fat contract. Nope. It was more like an awkward breakup where both sides realized they were better off seeing other people.
Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick is heading back to Pittsburgh, the team that drafted him 11th overall way back in 2018. His Miami stint soured after a trade request, and now he’s returning to the Steel City where he blossomed into one of the league’s best safeties during six seasons.
Trading veterans of this caliber is about as common as a unicorn at an NFL combine. Sportradar says this is just the third time since 2002 that two players with All-Pro honors swapped teams for one another. The others were classy showdowns involving DeAndre Hopkins and David Johnson back in 2020, and Jimmy Graham for Max Unger in 2015. If you like rarity, this trade is it.
Jonnu Smith, the tight end who just gave Miami the best year of his career, is also making the move to Pittsburgh. He signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins before the 2024 season and set a franchise record last year with 88 receptions and 884 yards. Naturally, he hoped Miami would hand him a new contract after that breakout campaign, but those talks reached a dead end.
Instead, Smith is reuniting with Arthur Smith, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator. Don’t get it twisted — this is NOT some random coincidence. These two have history from their days in Tennessee and Atlanta. And coming off a record year, Smith just signed a one-year extension worth up to $12 million with Pittsburgh. That’s a big payday for a guy looking to prove he’s back on the prime-time radar.
But not everyone is thrilled about the shakeup. Former Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert, who was cut earlier this year after his least productive Dolphins season, took to X to throw some shade towards Miami. His message was blunt and backed by a hint of bitterness: “Be a Pro-bowler on the Dolphins, get treated like (expletive).” Ouch.
Steelers’ Power Moves Look Like a Full-Throttle Get-Back Season
The Steelers aren’t just dabbling in renovations — they’re ripping the roof off their roster this offseason. They’ve snagged two-time Pro Bowl receiver DK Metcalf from Seattle and signed the legendary four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to a one-year, $13.65 million deal with $10 million guaranteed.
Remember that Aaron Rodgers saga? It’s finally done, with Rodgers saying choosing Pittsburgh was the best move for his soul. Steelers fans — and his new teammates — are still soaking it all in, hoping this is the start of something special, finally.
Now jump on this: the Steelers likely cleared enough cap space by sending Fitzpatrick back to Miami to make room for their star linebacker, T.J. Watt. Watt is a beast on defense, but he’s in the last year of his contract and boycotting the offseason program while hunting a new deal.
So this trade isn’t just about swapping talent; it’s a financial chess match with big-money impact for the future of the Steelers’ roster.
Dolphins’ Defense and Offense Left Shaken but Looking Ahead
Losing Smith hurts Miami’s offense deeply. Last year, Smith was the go-to guy they leaned on when defenses clamped down on Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, limiting those explosive plays. His 88 catches were a franchise record for a tight end. That’s a massive hole to fill.
But Miami addressed their safety gap after starter Jevon Holland bolted for the New York Giants earlier this year. Fitzpatrick’s return infuses solid experience into their secondary, but the cornerback spot Ramsey occupied remains a question mark.
Miami now has to find a veteran cornerback to support their young corps — and fast. The draft and free agency loom large as they scramble to plug this big hole, while the offense hunts a new rhythm without Smith.
So What Now?
Both teams took risks. Miami gave up premier talent in Ramsey and Smith for a safety returning home and a better pick value. Pittsburgh gave up a franchise safety but added elite cornerback and a top tight end. The chess pieces are moving with intent.
If Pittsburgh’s gambit pays off, with Aaron Rodgers leading and this fortified roster, they could finally break their maddening cycle of early playoff exits.
For Miami, the road ahead isn’t as clear. The offense loses a key weapon, the defense faces uncertainty without Ramsey, but Fitzpatrick provides a boost and a familiar face. Can the Dolphins pivot and reload quickly enough? That’s the million-dollar question.
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t your garden-variety trade. It’s a seismic shift, a furious shakeup that could alter the playoff landscape. Buckle up, folks. The NFL’s offseason drama is real, loud, and just getting started.
— Reported by Drew Magary, with contributions from AP writers Will Graves and Josh Dubow.