Minkah Fitzpatrick Trade Shocker: Steelers-Dolphins 3-Player Deal Reshapes NFL in 2025
In a surprising twist to the 2025 NFL offseason, the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade has dominated headlines, sparking intense debate and speculation among fans and analysts alike. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins have pulled off a blockbuster deal involving not just two of the league’s premier defenders but also a Pro Bowl tight end, altering the trajectory of both franchises.
🔁 The Trade Breakdown
According to reports by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins have sent three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In return, the Dolphins receive five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, while the Steelers also gain a 2027 seventh-round pick.
This Minkah Fitzpatrick trade marks his return to Miami, the franchise that originally drafted him in 2018. He played just one full season there before requesting a trade in 2019, frustrated with being moved from his natural safety position to nickelback under then-coach Brian Flores. Fitzpatrick flourished in Pittsburgh, earning multiple All-Pro nods and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defensive backs.
🏈 The Return of a Star: Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami
Minkah Fitzpatrick, now 28, rejoins the Dolphins with six stellar seasons of experience under his belt. Despite a down year in 2023 due to injuries and a 25-game interception drought, Fitzpatrick ended the season strong. His leadership and ball-hawking skills are expected to anchor a Miami secondary in desperate need of a revamp. The Minkah Fitzpatrick trade signals Miami’s urgency to rebuild their defense after a disappointing 8-9 finish last season.
Miami’s defensive backs room was left thin after offseason departures including Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer, and Kendall Fuller. Although they added names like Artie Burns, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and rookie Dante Trader Jr., none brought the gravitas or proven capability of Fitzpatrick.
Defense Reinforced: Steelers Land Jalen Ramsey
On the flip side, Jalen Ramsey, 30, heads to Pittsburgh where he’ll reunite with elite defensive minds and join a loaded secondary that includes Darius Slay Jr. and Joey Porter Jr. With a resume boasting 24 career interceptions, multiple All-Pro selections, and a Super Bowl win with the Rams, Ramsey brings grit and experience.
Though he missed seven games in 2023, Ramsey still made the Pro Bowl and notched 11 pass deflections and two picks. He signed a three-year, $72 million extension in 2024, and his salary will now increase by $1.5 million to $26.6 million for 2025. The Minkah Fitzpatrick trade gives Pittsburgh a new leader in the secondary as they make a strong push in what is expected to be Aaron Rodgers’ final NFL season.
🔄 Jonnu Smith’s Reunion with Arthur Smith
Adding to the story is tight end Jonnu Smith, who joins Pittsburgh after an impressive season with the Dolphins. His 88 catches for 884 yards and 8 touchdowns led all Miami players in receptions and earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. The Minkah Fitzpatrick trade included Smith as part of the package, fulfilling his demand for a new contract after skipping offseason workouts.
Smith has inked a one-year, $12 million extension, reuniting with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who coached him in both Tennessee and Atlanta. The Steelers are betting big on this chemistry to reinvigorate their tight end usage.
⚠️ Consequences for Miami
The Minkah Fitzpatrick trade leaves the Dolphins thin at tight end. Jonnu Smith’s departure creates a hole in the offense, with remaining players Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown primarily known for blocking. Unless Miami signs a free agent or makes another move, the tight end position could be a weak spot in 2025.
Additionally, Ramsey’s exit marks the fourth departure of a team captain this offseason, after Terron Armstead, Calais Campbell, and David Long Jr.. It’s a clear signal of a cultural and strategic reboot in Miami.
🔍 Analysis: Who Wins the Trade?
Steelers Perspective: They get two Pro Bowl-caliber players and bolster their already elite defense ahead of a potential final Super Bowl push with Rodgers. This move represents a sharp departure from their traditionally quiet trade activity.
Dolphins Perspective: They regain a familiar face in Fitzpatrick to stabilize the defense, but their secondary rebuild remains incomplete. If Fitzpatrick returns to All-Pro form, the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade could look like a masterstroke.
📌 Final Thoughts
This trade sends ripples across the AFC. It reunites players with familiar coaches and systems, reshapes two rosters, and dramatically alters each team’s path heading into 2025. Whether the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade goes down as a win-win or a lopsided gamble will depend on how these stars perform in new-old roles.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What players were involved in the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade?
A1. The trade included Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jalen Ramsey, and Jonnu Smith.
Q2. Why did Minkah Fitzpatrick leave the Dolphins originally?
A2. He was unhappy with being moved from safety to nickelback and requested a trade in 2019.
Q3. What did the Steelers gain in this trade?
A3. The Steelers received Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
Q4. What contract changes occurred due to the trade?
A4. Ramsey received a $1.5 million raise, and Smith signed a one-year $12 million extension.
Q5. How does this trade affect the Dolphins’ tight end position?
A5. With Smith gone, the Dolphins lack a proven pass-catching tight end.
🔗 External References
- com Report on Ramsey Trade
- ESPN Trade Coverage
- Over The Cap – Jalen Ramsey Contract Details
- Pro Football Reference – Minkah Fitzpatrick
- Steelers Official Site – Trade Announcement
🎧 Breaking News Headlines
- Minkah Fitzpatrick Trade Shocks NFL
- Jalen Ramsey Joins Steelers Defense
- Jonnu Smith Signs $12M Extension
- Dolphins Reunite with Fitzpatrick
- Steelers Build Superteam Around Rodgers