The Steelers acquired Jalen Ramsey from the Dolphins for Minkah Fitzpatrick in a June 2025 blockbuster. See how this trade makes Pittsburgh a top contender.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Forget the fireworks, the biggest explosion on the last day of June happened in the Steelers' front office. In a move that screams 'Super Bowl or Bust,' Pittsburgh has acquired three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins, sending beloved All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to South Beach in return. The trade signals a dramatic shift in philosophy and immediately vaults the Steelers' secondary into the NFL's elite.
'Break my own news! 🤟🏾 #HereWeGo @steelers.' - Jalen Ramsey on X
The centerpiece of the deal is Ramsey, who wasted no time confirming the news himself on social media. The Steelers are betting big, taking on the majority of his $26.6 million salary for 2025 and pairing him with veterans Darius Slay Jr. and rising star Joey Porter Jr. Suddenly, Pittsburgh boasts arguably the most intimidating trio of cornerbacks in the league. While saying goodbye to a player of Fitzpatrick's caliber is tough, the move shores up a premium position and gives the defense a new, aggressive identity with DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill now patrolling the back end.
This isn't the conservative Steelers build we're used to. Coming on the heels of acquiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver DK Metcalf earlier this offseason, the Ramsey trade solidifies a new, aggressive era under GM Omar Khan. The team is clearly leveraging its future for a championship run right now. By taking on Ramsey's massive contract—with Miami covering only $3 million—the front office is making it clear that the window to win is now, and they're willing to pay any price to make it happen.
While the front office is handing out cash for new acquisitions, one crucial piece of business remains unfinished: T.J. Watt's contract. As the team spends big on players like Rodgers and Ramsey, the team's defensive cornerstone is still waiting for a new deal. Reports have begun to surface suggesting Watt may not be pleased with the situation, creating a potential distraction. The question now is whether the Steelers can lock up their homegrown superstar before this spending spree creates a rift in the locker room.
The day's news wasn't all positive. The team confirmed that tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a torn Achilles and will miss the entire 2025-26 season. It's a brutal blow for Parham and the offense. However, the sting is lessened by the surprise inclusion of Jonnu Smith in the Ramsey trade. Smith, a proven veteran, now becomes a critical piece of the offense, expected to step in immediately and fill the void left by Parham's unfortunate injury.
Monday was a whirlwind that redefined the Steelers' 2025 season. The message from the front office is loud and clear: it's championship or bust. With a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and now a lockdown corner to lead the defense, the expectations have never been higher. As training camp approaches, the team must address the lingering T.J. Watt contract situation to ensure the franchise's all-in gamble has everyone, especially its defensive cornerstone, fully on board for the ride.
