The Dolphins trade Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers in a July 2025 blockbuster, bringing Minkah Fitzpatrick back to Miami. See full details of this shocking deal.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the offseason was settling down, the Miami Dolphins dropped an absolute bombshell. On Tuesday, the team finalized a blockbuster trade, sending star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The return? A familiar face and one of the league's best safeties: Minkah Fitzpatrick is coming home.
Dolphins GM Chris Grier previously stated that Ramsey did not request a trade, but both sides agreed to part ways after discussions.
Let's break down the moving parts of this league-altering trade. The Dolphins sent All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh. In return, Miami receives three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The trade, which is pending physicals, was first confirmed by Ramsey himself on his X account, sending Dolphins social media into a frenzy before the official announcement.
Minkah Fitzpatrick is a Dolphin once again. The team's original first-round pick in 2018, Fitzpatrick's first tenure in Miami was short-lived. He famously requested a trade early in the 2019 season, dissatisfied with his role. Now, he returns as a polished, versatile, and decorated All-Pro, ready to anchor a secondary alongside Jevon Holland. His return completely reshapes the defensive backfield, giving new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver an elite chess piece to deploy.
The acquisition of Fitzpatrick comes at a significant cost. Jalen Ramsey's time in Miami is over after just two seasons. While his tenure was impacted by an early injury last season, his talent was undeniable when on the field. It became clear that both parties were ready to move on, even without a formal trade request. Losing tight end Jonnu Smith is also a blow to the offense, as his athleticism was a key component in Mike McDaniel's scheme. The departures of these two starters create new questions and opportunities as the team heads into training camp.
This trade is a definitive statement from Chris Grier and the front office. They've swapped one elite defensive back for another, bringing back a homegrown star while gaining a slight draft pick advantage. The focus now shifts to training camp. How will Fitzpatrick reintegrate into the Dolphins' system? Who will step up to fill the void left by Jonnu Smith at tight end? One thing is certain: the 2025 Miami Dolphins will look significantly different, and the road to the playoffs just got a lot more interesting.
