Raheem Mostert openly shared his feelings about the recent NFL trade involving cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith moving from the Miami Dolphins to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he expressed happiness for his former Dolphins teammates, Mostert made it clear that he is unhappy with how things ended for him with Miami. After signing with the Las Vegas Raiders during the offseason, the former Dolphins player posted on social media:
"Hot Take: Become a professional dolphin bowler and be treated like sh*t. But I’m happy for all of me! Ball out!!"
The pro bowlers referred to here are Ramsey and Smith, who were traded to the Steelers in exchange for Steelers’ safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, along with draft pick swaps.
Mostert didn’t specify his grievances but seemed displeased about his own departure from Miami after three seasons, which included a Pro Bowl nod in 2023.
Mostert initially joined the Dolphins as a free agent in 2022 on a one-year, $2.1 million deal. Following 14 starts that year, he re-signed a two-year, $5.6 million contract. In 2023, Mostert posted 1,187 yards from scrimmage, scored among the top 21 in the NFL, and earned his first Pro Bowl invitation at age 31—the best season of his career. This performance secured a contract extension worth up to $9.1 million over two years, including $3.71 million guaranteed through 2025.
In the 2024 season, Mostert played a more limited role behind emerging star De’Von Achane, finishing with 439 yards from scrimmage and one start, without triggering the second non-guaranteed year of his contract. The Dolphins released him in February as part of veteran cuts to save salary cap money, freeing up $3.065 billion in cap space. Mostert then signed a one-year, $1.6 million deal with the Raiders and appears to be frustrated with how his time with Miami concluded.
Fan Take: This news highlights the emotional and business complexities NFL players face when teams make tough roster decisions. For fans, it’s a reminder that even standout performers like Mostert aren’t immune to the harsh realities of the salary cap and team strategies, which can dramatically shift player careers and team dynamics.
