The Miami Dolphins traded Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers on June 30, 2025. See how this blockbuster move impacts the AFC and the Dolphins' future.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when the offseason news cycle seemed to be quieting down, the Miami Dolphins dropped a bombshell on Monday, trading All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move sends shockwaves through the AFC, signaling a major strategic pivot for the Dolphins' defense and leaving fans wondering what comes next for a team with championship aspirations.
The message from Miami is clear: the Dolphins are retooling, not just reloading, and no one is untouchable.
The blockbuster trade announced June 30 sends the cornerstone of the Miami secondary to a conference rival. While the full compensation package remains under wraps, the departure of Ramsey creates an immediate and massive void in leadership and on-field production. Ramsey was a defensive captain and the anchor of a pass defense that will now need to find a new identity. The move signals a clear shift in roster strategy, likely freeing up significant cap space but placing immense pressure on the team's younger defensive backs to step up immediately.
Even as one star departs, the Dolphins are doubling down on their young core. The team solidified its long-term plans by exercising the fifth-year options for star receiver Jaylen Waddle and pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, locking them in through 2025. On the offensive side, the team is adding explosive talent through the draft with running back Jaylen Wright and massive tackle Patrick Paul. Wright's game-breaking speed and Paul's size are set to enhance Miami's versatile attack. With tight end Jonnu Smith gone, reports also link the team to a formerly-hyped draft pick, indicating the front office is still actively shaping the offense.
The Ramsey trade puts an even brighter spotlight on the team's injury situation, particularly on defense. The pass rush, now more critical than ever, is facing uncertainty as both Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are questionable for Week 1 while recovering from ACL tears. Their availability is paramount. The concerns don't stop there; linebacker Jordyn Brooks (wrist) is also questionable for the opener, while rookie OT Jonah Savaiinaea is already ruled out. This mounting list of injuries will test Miami's depth from the very start of the season.
This reshaped and potentially shorthanded roster will be tested under the brightest lights. For the second straight year, the Dolphins face five prime-time games. The schedule presents two brutal back-to-back prime-time stretches: a Week 3 Thursday night game at Buffalo followed by a Week 4 Monday night clash with the Jets, and another set in Weeks 15 and 16 against Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. The schedule also features a unique four-game home stand, which includes an international game in Spain against the Washington Commanders. There will be nowhere to hide for this new-look Dolphins squad.
The Jalen Ramsey trade has officially defined the Dolphins' 2025 offseason. It's a high-stakes gamble that prioritizes future flexibility and a youth movement over a proven, albeit expensive, superstar. With key players battling their way back from injury and a demanding schedule on the horizon, all eyes now turn to training camp. How will this reshaped roster gel, and can the young cornerstones rise to the occasion? The answers will determine whether this dramatic pivot was a stroke of genius or a critical misstep.
