Introduction
On June 30, 2025, the NFL experienced one of the most seismic trades in recent memory: the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins executed a blockbuster deal swapping two All‑Pro defensive backs. Jalen Ramsey, a franchise cornerback, heads to Pittsburgh alongside tight end Jonnu Smith, while the Dolphins receive elite safety Minkah Fitzpatrick plus a draft‑pick swap. This article unpacks contract details, roster implications, salary‑cap effects, and expert analysis to answer every major question fans are asking.
Table of Contents
Jalen Ramsey trade to Steelers
What the trade includes
- Steelers receive: CB Jalen Ramsey, TE Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh‑round pick (cbssports.com)
- Dolphins receive: S Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth‑round pick (cbssports.com)
Ramsey’s contract update
Following the move, Ramsey receives a $1.5 million raise, upping his 2025 salary to $26.6 million (cbssports.com). His future guarantee ends after this season, providing Pittsburg flexibility.
Ramsey’s career strength
A three‑time All‑Pro and seven‑time Pro Bowl cornerback, Ramsey has 108 career passes defended and 24 interceptions (cbssports.com, nfl.com). Despite a slight dip—five picks in 27 Dolphins games—the addition elevates Pittsburgh’s defense significantly (nypost.com).
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Minkah Fitzpatrick goes back to Dolphins
Fitzpatrick trade details
Miami regains its former first‑round pick—Minkah Fitzpatrick—trading away Ramsey and picks (si.com).
Contract and cap impact
He’s on a 4‑year, $73.6 million deal (signed June 2022), averaging $18.4 million/year, with $36 million guaranteed (en.as.com). Dolphins will absorb his $15.5M cap hit in 2025 and $17.6M in 2026, freeing Steelers from that burden (behindthesteelcurtain.com).
Fitzpatrick’s on-field rĂ©sumĂ©
Since 2018, Fitzpatrick has made five Pro Bowls and three All‑Pro teams, totaling 608 tackles, 20 interceptions, and four defensive TDs (en.wikipedia.org). The 28‑year‑old still delivers elite playmaking at safety.
Trade impact: Steelers defense
Stronger secondary
Steelers now boast Ramsey and veterans like Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr., building a deep corner group (cbssports.com).
Salary‑cap analysis
Due to Fitzpatrick’s dead‑cap adjustment, Pittsburgh saves ~$8 million in 2025 cap space. Combined cap hit for Ramsey+Smith is $14.355M, less than Fitz’s $22.355M (behindthesteelcurtain.com). This additional space allows roster flexibility even with increased cash outlays.
Secondary shake‑up
While losing Fitzpatrick leaves a safety void, players like Juan Thornhill and DeShon Elliott are poised to fill the role (nfl.com).
Jonnu Smith’s new role
Smith gets a one‑year $12 million extension and adds versatility to the Steelers’ offense (espn.com).
Trade impact: Dolphins secondary
Return to experience
Bringing back Fitzpatrick adds veteran leadership and ball‑hawking ability to a young secondary, replacing Ramsey’s varsity presence with a proven playmaker (espn.com).
Cap and team culture flexibility
Though Fitzpatrick carries a cap load, Miami gains depth and inherits a top-tier safety, aiding their defensive alignment (espn.com).
Younger roster transition
This trade aligns with Miami’s broader youth movement, making tough roster decisions while refreshing talent on both sides (thephinsider.com).
Post‑trade outlook
Steelers’ Super Bowl push
With Aaron Rodgers at QB, the addition of Ramsey and Smith shows Pittsburgh is serious about contending this season .
Dolphins’ culture reset
Miami aggressively resets defensively. Fitzpatrick brings familiarity, experience, and toughness to new coordinator Vic Fangio’s system .
SEO‑Focused FAQ Section
What were the full terms of the Minkah Fitzpatrick Jalen Ramsey trade?
Steelers get Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, 2027 7th‑round pick; Dolphins receive Minkah Fitzpatrick and 2027 5th‑round pick.
How much is Jalen Ramsey’s 2025 salary after Steelers trade?
A $1.5 million raise boosts his total to $26.6 million for the 2025 season (cbssports.com).
Did Minkah Fitzpatrick get a new contract in the trade?
No. He remains on his 4‑year, $73.6M deal signed in June 2022, which Dolphins assume (en.as.com).
How does the trade affect Steelers’ salary‑cap?
Steelers clear approximately $8 million in 2025 cap space after shifting Fitzpatrick’s dead cap and taking on Ramsey+Smith .
Why did Dolphins make this trade?
Rumors mounting since spring suggested a split; Miami aimed to realign cap, return veteran talent, and advance youth development .
What’s next for both teams?
Steelers lock on playoff push with Rodgers at QB and strengthened defense; Dolphins embrace cultural reset while coordinating under Fangio.
Conclusion
The Minkah Fitzpatrick Jalen Ramsey trade is a blockbuster shake‑up that redraws defensive landscapes across the league. Pittsburgh strengthens its secondary and tight ends while gaining cap flexibility. Miami returns a proven leader to support a fast‑growing roster and maintain defensive identity. With contracts clarified, picks exchanged, and motivations clear, this deal is shaping up to be a decisive factor in both teams’ 2025 journeys.
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Steelers-Dolphins Blockbuster: Minkah Fitzpatrick ↔️ Jalen Ramsey Trade Details
The Pittsburgh Steelers have pulled off a shocking trade, acquiring Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick. This move reunites Fitzpatrick with Miami, where he was originally drafted, while the Steelers aim to boost their secondary by adding the seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback.
Jalen Ramsey’s contract gets a $1.5 million boost, bringing his 2025 salary to $26.6 million, with no future guarantees beyond this season. Meanwhile, Minkah Fitzpatrick’s contract, worth $73.6 million over four years, is now Miami’s responsibility, giving the Steelers salary cap relief in 2025.
This Steelers trade impacts both teams’ defenses significantly. Pittsburgh adds depth alongside Darius Slay, while Miami regains veteran leadership in the secondary. Jonnu Smith, also part of the trade, brings versatility to the Steelers TE group.
NFL insiders like Adam Schefter and Bleacher Report have highlighted the trade’s implications on both rosters. As fans react across the league, this NFL trade reshapes expectations for both AFC contenders.
Stay updated with more Steelers news, Dolphins trade updates, and player contract details on official sites like NFL.com and CBSSports.
The Steelers traded Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, reshaping both defenses. Ramsey’s contract rises to $26.6M, while Miami regains Fitzpatrick’s elite play. This blockbuster Steelers trade impacts the AFC landscape. Stay tuned for more NFL news and Dolphins trade updates.