The Pittsburgh Steelers were a part of a ton of new news in the NFL on Monday. The organization acquired All-Pro defender Jalen Ramsey, who is expected to be a major contributor in the secondary of the defense. The Steelers were also able to acquire Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith in the deal, which is an interesting move as he has some history playing under Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.
Al Diaz / Miami Herald
Dolphins' CB Jalen Ramsey celebrating a game-winning INT at Hard Rock Stadium.
Fans were initially excited about the trade that landed Ramsey in Pittsburgh, but things slowly changed. The insiders around the NFL began to put the deal out piece by piece, and it was announced that the Steelers would be giving Ramsey a raise, and also trading star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in the trade.
ESPN sources: Steelers traded three-time All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins in exchange for three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2025
The rare player-for-player trade, and another trade.
Some fans are feeling a little uneasy after losing a player like Fitzpatrick, but he has not been himself in a couple of seasons. It was time for both sides to move on, and Pittsburgh is doing that by bringing in one of the best secondary defenders in the NFL over the last decade. Fitzpatrick also gets to reunite with the team that drafted him.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick warms up for Thursday Night Football in 2024.
This creates an interesting dynamic in Pittsburgh. Fitzpatrick is no longer on the roster, so the free safety spot is now a question. Ramsey could probably transition to the safety spot fairly easily, but he is probably best on the outside at cornerback. Pittsburgh brought in Juan Thornhill in free agency, and he has plenty of experience and could be a decent stop-gap free safety.
The other element of this trade is the fact that Pittsburgh received Jonnu in the deal. The franchise now has a three tight ends who are going to need playing time, and it could create a weird dynamic for the offense. Pat Freiermuth should probably still be the starting tight end, while Darnell Washington will remain a force in the run game. It just depends how the coaching staff wants to fit Jonnu into the game plan.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick gears up to play the Atlanta Falcons.
Steelers Trading Minkah Fitzpatrick Was Definitely Influenced By His Decline In Production
Fitzpatrick was clearly the best safety in the league when he first arrived in Pittsburgh, but his play took a turn over the last two seasons. He was still making an impact, but it wasn't the same as the start of his time with the Steelers. The safety had only one interception over the last two seasons with the team, and that could be because of scheme or coaching, but the fact that he was traded says otherwise.
What did you think about the trade? Let us know in the comments below!
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