On Monday, even before the July 4th holiday, the NFL experienced significant trade activity. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins finalized a major deal involving Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith moving to Pittsburgh, with Minkah Fitzpatrick heading back to Miami. Additionally, Miami received the fifth overall pick in the 2027 draft, while Pittsburgh acquired the seventh pick in the same year.
This trade was driven by Miami’s efforts to find partners to trade Ramsey and deal with contract issues surrounding Smith, who was in the last year of his deal. Smith and Ramsey now join a Steelers team that has been very active in the offseason, previously adding wide receiver DK Metcalf and signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburgh is clearly positioning itself as a strong competitor, whereas Miami looks toward a pivotal 2025 season that may define the futures of head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
This blockbuster trade has stirred up the NFL offseason. With contracts now set, it’s time to evaluate who benefits and who loses from the moves. Below is a breakdown of the key winners and losers from this major deal.
Winners: Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith
Ramsey’s exit from Miami had been a hot topic all offseason, and now it’s resolved. Pittsburgh has boosted his 2025 salary by $1.5 million. Smith, similarly, was seeking a new contract and now has a one-year extension worth $12 million with Pittsburgh. Both players join a Steelers squad expected to be more competitive than the Dolphins next season, giving them a better chance to play meaningful football.
Loser: Mike McDaniel
Miami appears at a crossroads, even with Fitzpatrick returning. Losing Ramsey, a 2023 Pro Bowler for Miami, significantly weakens their secondary, which lacks depth to compensate. Smith was also a vital part of Miami’s offense, posting career highs under McDaniel’s system. With such losses, McDaniel faces increased pressure to deliver, especially after Miami’s first under-.500 season. His job security could be under serious threat heading into 2025.
Winner: Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers has reasons to be excited. Aside from DK Metcalf, the Steelers lost George Pickens in a trade, so Smith offers a new dynamic target familiar with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system. Jonnu Smith’s versatility as a tight end, combined with other weapons, gives Rodgers multiple options to challenge opposing defenses.
Loser: Minkah Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick’s return to Miami is surprising. Although originally drafted by Miami in 2018, Fitzpatrick requested a trade in 2019 and left under rocky circumstances. This comeback feels like a homecoming but also raises questions, especially since he’s moving from an ascending Steelers team to a Dolphins franchise facing potential setbacks.
Opportunity for Miami’s secondary:
Ramsey’s exit may open the door for undrafted free agent Storm Duck, who appeared in 14 games last season. While his stats don’t match Ramsey’s excellence, if Duck can be a reliable cornerback, it could be a crucial development for Miami’s defense.
Loser: The other AFC North teams
The Steelers’ roster is improving rapidly, creating tougher competition within the AFC North. With the addition of Ramsey and Smith alongside Rodgers, Pittsburgh is no longer an easy opponent, even for strong rivals like Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. This makes the division race more competitive and complicates playoff aspirations for all teams involved.
Fan Take: This trade signals a major shift in the NFL power balance, especially within the AFC North, with the Steelers emerging as strong contenders. For fans, it raises the stakes and excitement for the upcoming season, promising intense battles and perhaps a new hierarchy in the league.
