The Dolphins trade Jalen Ramsey & Jonnu Smith to the Steelers for Minkah Fitzpatrick in a July 2025 blockbuster. See how this roster overhaul changes Miami.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
While the BBQ grills are firing up this Fourth of July, the Miami Dolphins' front office has already spent the offseason cooking up one of the most transformative periods in recent memory. In a league-shaking move, the team has brought safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to Miami, sending star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and record-setting tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's a bold, high-stakes gamble that redefines the team's identity heading into a pivotal 2025 season.
Jonnu Smith set franchise records for a tight end in 2024 with 88 receptions and 884 yards... and now he's a Steeler.
The biggest splash of the offseason was the stunning trade that sent Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, and a seventh-round pick to the Steelers for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a fifth-rounder. The move brings Fitzpatrick, a former Dolphins first-round pick, back to the secondary he started his career in. While his talent is undeniable, the cost was steep. Ramsey was a lockdown corner, and Smith is coming off a season where he set franchise records for a tight end. The trade signals a clear philosophical shift and leaves Miami actively searching for replacements at both tight end and cornerback.
The offensive line, already a point of concern, is facing a massive shake-up. Veteran leader Terron Armstead officially retired in June, a move that saved the Dolphins $1.2 million in 2025 cap space but leaves a gaping hole at left tackle and a dead cap hit of $10.88 million in 2026. The situation grew more precarious this week with the news that offensive tackle Jonah Savaiinaea has already been ruled out for the Week 1 opener against the Colts. With Austin Jackson returning from a season-ending injury, the line's ability to protect the quarterback is the biggest question mark heading into training camp.
The injury report is already casting a long shadow over the season. Beyond Savaiinaea, a host of key starters are listed as questionable for Week 1, including Tyreek Hill (wrist), James Daniels (Achilles), and Jordyn Brooks (wrist). However, there's a silver lining. Star pass-rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, both recovering from devastating ACL tears, are on track to return for the 2025 season. Their health will be paramount, as the defense will rely heavily on their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, especially with a retooled secondary behind them.
The NFL clearly believes the Dolphins are must-see TV. The 2025 schedule is loaded with five primetime games, putting Miami in the national spotlight against the league's elite. Get ready for Thursday night clashes with the Bills (Week 3) and Ravens (Week 9), and Monday Night Football showdowns against the Jets (Week 4) and Steelers (Week 15). The season culminates with a massive Sunday Night Football game against the Bengals in Week 16. It's a brutal slate, but it's also a chance for the Dolphins to prove they belong in the championship conversation.
As we enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks, the real explosions have been happening on the Dolphins' roster. This is a team that has pushed all its chips to the center of the table. With a revamped secondary, a patchwork offensive line, and a gauntlet of a schedule, the 2025 season is the ultimate boom-or-bust scenario. All eyes now turn to the season opener against the Colts, which will be our first real look at whether these massive gambles will finally lead to a deep playoff run.
