Steelers Make Blockbuster Trade: Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith Join the Team!

Miami Gardens, USA - The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially added some serious firepower to their roster after sealing a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins. Aiming for a competitive push in the 2025 season, the Steelers have scooped up star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, alongside a seventh-round draft pick for 2027. In exchange, the Dolphins receive safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a fifth-round pick from the same draft class. This trade, pending physicals, signals a bold move for both franchises as they look to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season, as SI.com reports.

FC Pittsburgh’s acquisition of Ramsey is particularly noteworthy. The multi-time Pro Bowler is a respected name in the league, renowned for his skills in coverage and past Super Bowl experience. Last season, Ramsey notched up a commendable 60 tackles alongside two interceptions. Pairing him with an already impressive Steelers defense could significantly enhance their secondary as they aspire for a Super Bowl run, with NFL.com highlighting the strategic motives behind this move.

Strengthening the Offense

But that’s not all—the Pittsburgh brass has also secured Jonnu Smith, a 29-year-old tight end with a solid track record, including 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last season. Smith is expected to play a crucial role in the Steelers‘ offense, particularly becoming a reliable second target behind wide receiver DK Metcalf. This new tight end duo, featuring Smith and Pat Freiermuth, gives Pittsburgh a dynamic edge, as they look to improve their playoff success.

However, the trade does have its complexities. Ramsey’s rise in salary to $1.5 million for this season, in addition to the $4 million already covered by the Dolphins, marks a significant uptick in financial investment for the Steelers, but with the potential for further earnings if he performs exceptionally well. The presence of veteran players may lead one to wonder—what does this mean for the Steelers‘ future strategies? While the future might seem bright with Ramsey’s versatility allowing him to fit multiple roles, the decisions made this offseason could pose risks, as ESPN notes.

Balancing Acts and Future Outlooks

As for the Dolphins, trading away Ramsey and Smith isn’t just about saying goodbye to notable players, but it’s a deliberate reshaping of the roster. In the deal, Minkah Fitzpatrick’s contract entails two years left, costing the Dolphins $15.5 million in 2025 and $17.6 million in 2026, thus easing their salary cap issues in the near future. This trade suite also allowed the Dolphins to replace Jevon Holland with Fitzpatrick and bring in two new safeties on more cost-effective contracts.

Critics have offered mixed reviews on the deal, rating the Steelers’ move a ‘C’ while awarding the Dolphins an ‘A’ for their end of the bargain. Whether this trade pays off for the Steelers as they chase a Super Bowl glory remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: both franchises are entering a new chapter with high hopes and a strategic vision that could reshape their their respective futures.