Report: Steelers sending Minkah Fitzpatrick to Dolphins as part of Jalen Ramsey trade

On Monday, the Steelers traded for Jalen Ramsey in a deal with the Dolphins, and their fans rejoiced at the idea of the star cornerback joining a group of defensive backs that featured Minkah Fitzpatrick. That idea was short-lived.

Shortly after the acquisition of Ramsey was revealed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that Pittsburgh is sending Fitzpatrick to Miami as part of the deal. The former Alabama star began his career with the franchise, and now he’s heading back to the team that drafted him.

“ESPN sources: Steelers traded three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins in exchange for three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey,” Schefter posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The rare player-for-player trade, and another trade.”

Fitzpatrick has been with the Steelers for the past six seasons. In that time, he’s become a three-time First-Team All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowl selection. He co-led the league in interceptions in 2022, as well.

Now, he’ll get a chance to suit up for the Dolphins once again, after they traded him to the Steelers two games into his sophomore season with Miami. At 28-years-old, he still has some prime seasons ahead of him, and he’ll be expected to become one of the leaders of the team’s defensive unit.

Meanwhile, Ramsey is coming off his ninth season in the NFL and second in Miami. He posted 60 tackles, 11 deflections, a pair of interceptions, and a sack in a full season’s slate of work in their secondary.

However, it was the first time in five years and third time in his career that he didn’t earn any league honors. He’d been to the Pro Bowl in the four consecutive seasons prior while also earning two of his three honors as First Team All-Pro in that stretch as well while with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Steelers also added tight end Jonnu Smith to their team in the deal. Pittsburgh acquired a 2027 7th-round pick from the Dolphins too, while shipping their 2027 5th-round pick to Miami.

Smith was a Pro Bowl selection in 2024. He was targeted 111 times and had 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. Those were also Dolphins franchise records for a tight end. Now, he’ll join a tight end room that was headlined by Pat Freiermuth last season.

Moving forward, it’ll be fascinating to track how Jalen Ramsey, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jonnu Smith adjust in 2025. One thing is for sure, this trade shook up the league a bit.