Analysis of Recent NFL Moves: Who Wins and Who Loses?
Although most of the NFL offseason has already concluded, teams still have the opportunity to adjust their rosters before Week 1 begins. One of the most common strategies to achieve this is player trades. During this period, teams seek to strengthen their weaknesses, get rid of players, and resolve outstanding contracts.
At the end of June, a significant move involving the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers was finalized. Below, we analyze this and other recent trades, evaluating the implications for each team.Trade between the Dolphins and the Steelers
The Miami Dolphins sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers, in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a late-round draft pick. We examine this move from the perspective of both teams.Analysis of the exchange:
Steelers get: Jalen Ramsey (CB), Jonnu Smith (TE) and a 2027 seventh-round pick.Dolphins get: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) and a fifth-round pick from 2027.
Steelers Grade: C
Dolphins Grade: A
This trade surprised many. Although it was known that Ramsey would not be with the Dolphins in 2025, the arrival of the Steelers as the receiving team was unexpected. The inclusion of Fitzpatrick in the deal, along with Smith, was an even bigger surprise. For the Steelers, the acquisition of Ramsey and Smith is a bold move, considering the investment in quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Although they have room under the salary cap, the trade for Fitzpatrick is striking. Ramsey, at 30 years old, could be in decline, although his defensive numbers suggest otherwise. His role in Pittsburgh could be as a cornerback in the nickel or as a safety, a position he could occupy given the Fitzpatrick trade. The financial cost is considerable, with Ramsey earning $21.6 million in 2025. Smith, for his part, arrives after a standout season, but the contract extension for $12 million may not be so advantageous. From the Dolphins’ perspective, the trade appears to be a clear win. Following Jevon Holland’s departure, Fitzpatrick’s arrival provides a high-level solution at a price similar to what the Giants paid for Holland. Furthermore, they get a better draft pick in the trade. The Dolphins, with a tighter salary cap situation, managed to make the most of the situation.Trade between the Eagles and the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers acquired defensive end Bryce Huff from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a mid-round draft pick in 2026.Analysis of the exchange:
49ers get: Bryce Huff (DE)Eagles get: Mid-round draft pick from 2026.49ers Grade: B+
Eagles’ Grade: B+
The 49ers are betting that Huff’s 2024 season was an exception. Huff signed a three-year, $51.1 million contract with the Eagles, but his performance declined, with a lower-than-expected pass win rate. The 49ers are looking for a quality pass rusher alongside Nick Bosa. The deal, with Huff receiving less than $8 million this year after restructuring his contract, seems like a reasonable risk for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The Eagles, on the other hand, don’t seem to value Huff as much. With several alternatives available, such as Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche, in addition to the young Jalyx Hunt, the franchise benefits by saving a few million and obtaining a draft pick.
