Steelers Land Cornerback Jalen Ramsey in Trade After His Two-Season Stint with the Dolphins

teelers Land Cornerback Jalen Ramsey in Trade After His Two-Season Stint with the Dolphins

Steelers Land Cornerback Jalen Ramsey in Trade After His Two-Season Stint with the Dolphins

Following a two-year run in Miami, standout cornerback Jalen Ramsey is now headed to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams confirmed the trade on Monday.

Tight end Jonnu Smith is also heading to Pittsburgh as part of the deal. Pittsburgh is throwing in a 2027 seventh-round pick, and Miami will reciprocate with a fifth-round choice that year.

The Steelers acknowledged the trade, noting that it is still pending the players’ physicals before it becomes official.

This move follows the Dolphins’ recent announcement that they were open to trading the 10-year veteran. General Manager Chris Grier explained that parting ways with Ramsey gives the team “the best chance to succeed, not just in the short term, but long term as well.”

In his second season with Miami, the Dolphins ended with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs — their first postseason absence in three years. Over the season, Ramsey notched 60 tackles, added one sack, and secured two interceptions for seven yards in returns.

After Rams made him a free agent, rumors swirled about a possible reunion with Los Angeles—the team he helped win the Super Bowl in 2021. The Florida State alum had previously spent four seasons between the Jaguars and Rams before arriving in Miami in 2023.

Despite Rams coach Sean McVay showing interest in a reunion, it was the Steelers who acted swiftly to secure the seasoned cornerback. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, two teams were seriously pursuing Ramsey, but Pittsburgh ultimately sealed the deal.

The addition of Ramsey is expected to further strengthen Pittsburgh’s already tough defense. With quarterback Aaron Rodgers possibly entering his final NFL season, the Steelers are going all-in for a deep run in 2025 — and Ramsey’s experience could be a major asset.

Earlier this year, Ramsey signed a three-year contract extension worth $72 million. Over The Cap noted he was set to make $24.2 million in 2024. With this trade, his salary bumps up by $1.5 million, taking his 2025 earnings to $26.6 million. Reports say the Steelers will cover almost the entire deal, leaving Miami responsible for just $7 million this season.

Once June 1 rolled around, moving Ramsey became a lot easier on the salary cap—his $25.2 million hit was cut by more than $18 million.

The Steelers now hold Ramsey’s contract rights through the 2028 season.

Minkah Fitzpatrick Returns to Miami at Age 28 After Six Seasons

Now 28, Minkah Fitzpatrick has come full circle back to the Miami Dolphins after six years away. Drafted by Miami in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he spent just one and a half seasons in South Beach before being dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2019 campaign.

Following an impressive rookie year, Fitzpatrick was moved to nickelback to begin his sophomore season under then-coach Brian Flores. Frustrated by the switch, he asked for a trade—which Miami granted later that same year. In Pittsburgh, he flourished, quickly securing his first All‑Pro selection.

Over the next five seasons with the Steelers, Fitzpatrick’s star continued to rise. Between 2020 and 2024, he earned two more All‑Pro honors and was chosen for four Pro Bowls, solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s top defensive backs.