In the middle of the dead period of the offseason, breaking news has emerged. According to Tom Pelissero, the Pittsburgh Steelers have traded away All-Pro Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in exchange for Tight End Jonnu Smith, Cornerback Jalen Ramsey and a late round pick swap. This was a big news day for the middle of summer, and there is a lot to unpack here for a trade with three notable names on it, so without further ado – let’s begin!
Arthur Smith gets his favorite Tight End back
With Jonnu Smith now going to the black and gold, it’ll mark the third team he’s been on with Arthur Smith. When Smith was his playcaller, Jonnu saw a combined 239 targets across 5 years. While he did wish to remain with in Miami, it was reported that he wanted a significant pay raise. As part of the deal, the Steelers have given Jonnu Smith a 1-year 12 million dollar extension. Pittsburgh’s passing attack now consists of DK Metcalf alongside two talented tight ends in Pat Friermeuth and Jonnu Smith. It has some semblance to the one Arthur Smith led in Atlanta, with Drake London being the main field stretcher, and Jonnu alongside Kyle Pitts being a duo at tight end. Jonnu had a career year with the Dolphins, catching the ball 88 times for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Pittsburgh Steelers believe they are Super Bowl contenders
Trading for DK Metcalf and signing Aaron Rodgers along with Darius Slay are not moves you make if you don’t have serious Super Bowl aspirations. Now with 28 year old Minkah Fitzpatrick gone in exchange for soon to be 31 Jalen Ramsey, it’s clear that Pittsburgh has no intentions to rebuild. This mindset becomes apparent especially when looking at Ramsey’s cap hits. According to Over The Cap, while his hit will be north of 7.4 million for 2025, it will be 18, 20 and 31 million for the following three years. Ramsey will most likely play in the slot with Slay and Joey Porter Jr. outside. His presence will bolster an already formidable defense.
Despite Minkah Fitzpatrick’s return, Miami’s secondary looks rough
After six years away from the sunshine state, Minkah Fitzpatrick comes back to the Dolphins after today’s trade. Miami will desperately need Fitzpatrick to be an immediate contributor on the secondary, as Ramsey’s departure leaves a massive hole in the DB room. Kader Kohou was set to be the second Corner on the lineup after Kendall Fuller’s release. But with him playing predominantly in the slot, outside corner becomes a massive need for the Fins. Their younger DBs will have to step up for this unit to be successful. UDFA Storm Duck did see time as starter in 2024, but he and 2023 second rounder Cam Smith both left much to be desired during their time on the field. What makes things worse is that the Dolphins did not prioritize corner in the draft. The only corner selection being Jason Marshall Jr in the fifth round.
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