🔁 Trade Breakdown (announced June 30, 2025)

Steelers receive:

CB Jalen Ramsey

TE Jonnu Smith

2027 7th‑round pick

Dolphins receive:

S Minkah Fitzpatrick

2027 5th‑round pick

 

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📜 Contract & Cap Details

Ramsey, under a three‑year extension signed in September 2024, gets a $1.5 million raise in 2025, raising his salary to approximately $26.5–26.6 million .

He remains under contract through 2028, but carries no guaranteed money beyond 2025, effectively making it a “prove-it” year .

Jonnu Smith, fresh off a career year (88 catches, 884 yards, 8 TDs in 2024), signed a one-year, $12 million extension with Pittsburgh .

 

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🛡️ Talent & Fit

Jalen Ramsey:

Seven-time Pro Bowler, three-time First‑Team All‑Pro.

Career highlights: 24 interceptions, 108 passes defended in 135 games .

Brings elite coverage to a loaded Steelers secondary with Darius Slay Jr. and Joey Porter Jr. .

Minkah Fitzpatrick:

Also a five-time Pro-Bowler and three-time All‑Pro.

Returns to Miami, the team that drafted him in 2018 – reuniting with a proven leader in the Dolphins secondary .

Jonnu Smith:

Adds offensive versatility alongside QB Aaron Rodgers.

Already reunited with familiar offensive coordinator Arthur Smith .

 

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🏈 Strategic Outlook

Steelers:

Taking an all-in approach for what could be Aaron Rodgers’ final season.

Strengthen both sides: elite CB, TE depth, and already added DK Metcalf, Darius Slay, Rodgers .

Risks: aging roster, $26M+ cap hit for Ramsey, and uncertain safety play without Fitzpatrick. But they gain dynamic flexibility with an abundance of veteran talent .

Dolphins:

Reloading their defense with a proven playmaker in Fitzpatrick.

Gain slight draft capital shift (from 7th to 5th round) in future picks.

Likely reducing cap pressure while shuffling defensive scheme .

 

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🏆 Winners & Losers

1. Aaron Rodgers / Steelers O‑Coord Arthur Smith – big winners thanks to added weapons and elite coverage .

2. Jalen Ramsey – gets a fresh start, big payday, and fresh showcase opportunity in a high-profile spot .

3. Minkah Fitzpatrick – returns to familiar surroundings with leadership responsibilities in Miami’s secondary.

4. Steelers Safety Depth – potential question mark replacing Fitzpatrick’s tier of talent.

 

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📊 Final Verdict

This trade typifies bold, high-risk, high-reward NFL moves. Pittsburgh’s aggressive roster overhaul signals serious playoff and Super Bowl ambitions, while Miami remains calculated, bolstering safety depth and managing their cap and picks smartly. Now, all eyes shift to Week 1 and beyond: will the Steelers’ gamble pay dividends, and can the Dolphins’ revamped defense gel?

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