The Dolphins trade Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers for their former star Minkah Fitzpatrick in a July 2025 blockbuster. See how this roster overhaul shakes up the AFC.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the NFL offseason was settling into a summer slumber, the Miami Dolphins detonated a bombshell. On Tuesday, the team executed a franchise-altering trade, sending star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers and, in a stunning reunion, bringing home All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The move signals a dramatic shift in defensive philosophy and roster construction just weeks before training camp.
The prodigal son returns. Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins' 2018 first-round pick, is back in Miami after earning three First-Team All-Pro selections in Pittsburgh.
The seismic move saw Miami send Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh. In return, the Dolphins received their former first-round pick, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Ramsey, who confirmed the trade on social media, spent two impactful seasons in Miami, but his departure, coupled with Fitzpatrick's return, reshapes the entire secondary. Fitzpatrick, who was traded from Miami in 2019, blossomed into one of the league's elite safeties with the Steelers, earning five Pro Bowl nods. His return fills a major need and brings a ball-hawking presence back to the defensive backfield.
The Dolphins didn't leave the tight end position empty for long. Immediately following the trade that sent Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh, Miami acquired Darren Waller from the New York Giants for a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick. Waller, who had retired in June after a health scare, is back and has signed a one-year, incentive-laden deal worth up to $5 million. At 32, if he can stay healthy and recapture his Pro Bowl form, Waller represents a low-risk, high-reward receiving threat for Tua Tagovailoa, instantly addressing the void created by Smith's departure.
While the front office was busy making trades, a cloud of uncertainty continues to hang over the team's pass rush. As of July 1, star edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are both still recovering from major ACL injuries suffered last season. There is no clear timeline for their return to full participation, leaving a massive question mark at one of the most important positions. With Emmanuel Ogbah and Tyus Bowser gone, the Dolphins' ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks hinges almost entirely on the successful rehabilitation of their two injured stars.
These moves come at a critical time on the NFL calendar. The deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term extensions is just two weeks away on July 15. More importantly, rookies are set to report for training camp in mid-July, with veterans required to join them 47 days before the season opener. The clock is ticking for the front office to finalize the roster and for the coaching staff to integrate major new pieces like Fitzpatrick and Waller before the real work begins on the practice field.
GM Chris Grier has pushed his chips to the center of the table. In one fell swoop, he's reshaped the secondary and the tight end room, creating a flurry of excitement and nostalgia. But as the calendar flips toward training camp, the biggest questions remain unanswered on the defensive line. These blockbuster trades will mean nothing if the pass rush can't get healthy. The next few weeks, as rookies and veterans report, will be critical in determining if this high-stakes gamble will finally pay off for the Dolphins.
