The Steelers traded Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith on July 1. See how this blockbuster trade reshapes Pittsburgh's defense.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the offseason couldn't get any wilder, the Pittsburgh Steelers dropped a bombshell on the NFL. On Tuesday, the team finalized a blockbuster trade, acquiring seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. The cost? All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who now heads back to the team that originally drafted him. It's a seismic shift for the Steelers' defense and a clear declaration of intent: the window to win is right now.
'This is a clear sign the team is 'all-in' for the 2025 season.' - Dan Patrick on the Steelers' blockbuster trade.
The headline grabber is obviously Jalen Ramsey, a lockdown corner who immediately transforms the secondary. But the deal is more nuanced. The Steelers also brought in tight end Jonnu Smith, a familiar weapon for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith from their time together in Tennessee. While Pat Freiermuth is still TE1, Smith provides a dynamic pass-catching and blocking option. The price was steep, however. Saying goodbye to Minkah Fitzpatrick, a leader and turnover machine, stings. But GM Omar Khan is betting that an elite cornerback duo of Ramsey and Darius Slay will create more havoc than a single elite safety could.
Imagine opposing quarterbacks looking across the line of scrimmage to see Jalen Ramsey on one side and Darius Slay on the other. That's the new reality in Pittsburgh. This move is a direct response to the high-powered passing attacks in the AFC. While Fitzpatrick's ball-hawking will be missed, the philosophy appears to have shifted towards suffocating receivers at the line. The move has the locker room buzzing, with defensive players taking to social media to express their excitement about their new teammate and their championship aspirations.
This trade wasn't just about defense. With future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers under center, the front office is clearly committed to surrounding him with talent. The addition of Jonnu Smith gives Rodgers another veteran target, while the departure of Najee Harris has paved the way for a new-look backfield featuring the dynamic Jaylen Warren and hard-charging rookie Kaleb Johnson. The pieces are being assembled for an offense that can keep pace with anyone, aiming to improve on the 380 points scored last season.
As Dan Patrick noted on his show, these win-now moves come with consequences and raise new questions. While the team is clearly 'all-in,' the unresolved contract situation for superstar T.J. Watt looms large. Can the Steelers afford to give Watt the massive extension he deserves after committing significant resources to players like Rodgers, Slay, and now Ramsey? The front office has shown it's willing to make tough, even unpopular decisions like trading Fitzpatrick. All eyes will now turn to the negotiations with the heart and soul of their defense.
While the Ramsey trade dominates the headlines, let's not forget how the Steelers have been building. The 2025 draft class is a testament to their philosophy of strengthening the lines. First-round pick Derrick Harmon, a disruptive defensive tackle from Oregon who led the FBS with 34 QB pressures from the interior, is expected to be an immediate force against the run. With other key additions like EDGE Jack Sawyer and QB Will Howard, the Steelers are balancing their high-profile trades with a solid foundation of young talent, ensuring this 'all-in' window stays open as long as possible.
The message from the Steelers' front office is loud and clear: Super Bowl aspirations are back in Pittsburgh. The acquisition of Jalen Ramsey is a high-stakes gamble, sacrificing a beloved star for a chance at greatness. Now, the focus shifts to training camp, where Mike Tomlin will be tasked with integrating these new, massive personalities. The team must not only gel quickly but also navigate the lingering contract talks with T.J. Watt. With the Ravens leading the division at 12-5, the pressure is on from day one to prove this blockbuster move was the final piece of a championship puzzle.
