Pro Bowler Swap: Steelers and Dolphins Shake Up the NFL
A momentous move shakes the NFL at the end of June, without the need for movie theaters. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins starred in a trade that involved prominent Pro Bowl players. The deal sends safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a fifth-round pick from 2027 to Florida, in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a seventh-round pick from 2027. For the Steelers, this operation culminates a busy offseason, marked by multiple high-profile trades and the arrival of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. It represents a determined bet to conquer their first Super Bowl since the 2008 season. As for the Dolphins, the acquisition of 28-year-old Fitzpatrick prevents this trade from being perceived as a reset for a Miami team that hasn’t won a playoff game since the turn of the century. Ramsey, 30, had been on the trade market since April; his value was not expected to exceed the third-round pick and backup tight end that were traded for him.Fitzpatrick, despite having only one interception in the last two seasons, remains a capable run defender and a versatile piece on defense. All players involved will have the opportunity to face their former teams in Week 15, when the Dolphins and Steelers face off in Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football.Receiving an ex All-Pro, even if he’s nearing 30 years old, in a position of need justifies the long process of finding a business partner.
Alofoke Deportes
Why did the Steelers decide to trade Fitzpatrick to Miami?
Although Fitzpatrick was selected for the Pro Bowl in four of the last five seasons, his production declined after a stellar year in 2022. That year, he earned his third All-Pro nomination, accumulating six interceptions, including a pick-six on Joe Burrow’s first pass attempt. Since then, Fitzpatrick has only recorded one interception and one forced fumble in 29 games, due to injuries in 2023 and a frustrating 2024. As the Steelers modified their defense, Fitzpatrick’s role changed, playing closer to the line of scrimmage in 2023, which prevented him from making decisive plays as in 2022.
Although Fitzpatrick kept his frustrations private during the 2024 season, he mentioned earlier this offseason that many of the Steelers’ defensive problems were due to a “gray area” in communication. The Steelers’ management praised Fitzpatrick’s instincts and insight during his nearly six years in Pittsburgh, but his decline in production made it difficult to justify a $22 million impact on the salary cap in 2025, especially while the Steelers negotiate an extension for star pass rusher T.J. Watt. The trade, however, is not just a cost-saving measure, as the Steelers are expected to take on most of Ramsey’s $26.6 million contract, including a $1.5 million raise, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.How will the Dolphins use Fitzpatrick?
When Fitzpatrick left Miami two games after his second season in 2019, his desire to stay in one position was cited as one of the main reasons for his trade request. Since then, he has been almost exclusively a safety for the Steelers, playing in the box in more than 10% of his snaps only once (2023) in the last six seasons.This is almost certainly where the Dolphins need it, as Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer left in free agency, and only provisional options like Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu were hired to replace them. Fitzpatrick, who will turn 29 this season, struggled with his range, reads, and tackling from depth last season, and it’s valid to wonder if he can continue to play 90% of his snaps as a player who roams the field. The Dolphins are betting that he can.
Why didn’t Ramsey fit in Miami?
In the field, he fit in perfectly. Ramsey was All-Pro in his first year with the Dolphins. Although a knee injury on the second day of training camp delayed his debut until the middle of that season, he intercepted three passes in his first three games with the team. Miami made him the highest-paid cornerback in the league the following offseason. But the relationship between the player and the team deteriorated during a forgettable 2024 season in which the team finished with an 8-9 record. As the Dolphins sought to change the culture within the team, Ramsey was one of the names who felt that the addition would be by subtraction. The Dolphins’ general manager, Chris Grier, said Ramsey did not request a salary adjustment or a trade. But he made it clear that both parties agreed that it was best to part ways. “At the end of the day, Jalen didn’t request a trade,” Grier said in April. “So we went through the process and felt that after numerous conversations and then talking last week with Jalen and his agent, it was best to move forward and it was the best for the Miami Dolphins and for Jalen Ramsey.”How will the Steelers use Ramsey?
Ramsey has played the vast majority (80%) of his career snaps as an outside cornerback, a position where the Steelers could use help, but might be fine: veteran Darius Slay Jr. was signed in free agency as a CB2 option alongside Joey Porter Jr. However, the slot position needs more help. When Ramsey won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams, he often played the “star” position, a big, safety-sized cornerback who could defend the run. If the Steelers believe he still has the speed to keep up with slot receivers, he could become an outside cornerback who shifts inside against formations with three receivers.Of course, Fitzpatrick’s departure also leaves a big void at safety, although the Steelers already have the depth to cover the snaps between DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill. A move at the end of his full-time career as a safety could maximize Ramsey’s remaining athleticism and football intelligence.
