Steelers Snatch Ramsey & Smith for Fitzpatrick, Swap Draft Picks

In a bold move, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey, along with tight end Jonnu Smith, from Miami Dolphins, in exchange for All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in return. Pittsburgh also receives a 2027 seventh-round pick. 

This blockbuster trade reshapes the roster in a few key ways:

Elite secondary reinforcement: Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, boosts Pittsburgh’s secondary instantly. Known for his shutdown capabilities, he logged 60 tackles, two interceptions, and 16 passes defended in 2024.

Matchup versatility: His ability to play slot and the outside adds adaptability to defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s defensive playbook.

Financial premium: Pittsburgh takes on Ramsey’s hefty $26.6M 2025 salary—a $1.5M raise—signifying it’s all-in for a Super Bowl push.

Safety sacrifice: In exchange for Ramsey, the Steelers parted ways with Fitzpatrick, a shutdown safety and focal point of their single-high coverage strategy. While they’ve added Juan Thornhill and retained DeShon Elliott, this represents a clear downgrade at safety.

Draft Nation overall grade: B– 

Reflecting the shutdown corner aspect that Ramsey brings, the trade is truly tempered with losing Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick has been quiet on the “splash plays” over the past few seasons, but that may be related to the team’s defensive play style, not Fitzpatrick’s skills or abilities.

Jonnu Smith adds proven receiving ability, hauling in 88 catches for 884 yards and 8 TDs in 2024. The Steelers were linked to Smith earlier this offseason, but finally, a deal was made. 

The addition of Smith brings a familiar energy as he reunites with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, for a third time (stints together in Tennessee and Atlanta). Smith adds another pass-catching weapon for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With trading George Pickens, there still is a glaring hole at the number two wide receiver position. Maybe adding Smith, playing alongside fellow tight end, Pat Freiermuth, gives the offense that number two receiver.

The addition of Smith has continued the Steelers’ offensive roster transformation. Pittsburgh retooled its offense, for the second year in a row, this time around Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and now Smith, respectively, creating hopeful mismatch opportunities over the middle.

That’s the good. Now here’s the bad.

The Steelers parted ways with Fitzpatrick, who’s been an impactful player ever since he joined the Steelers via their midseason trade with the Miami Dolphins. For Fitzpatrick, he goes back to where it all started—Miami. He is a rare secondary playmaker, but if nothing else, this trade clearly reflects a win-now mindset for the Steelers, giving Rodgers one last chance at a Super Bowl run.

Pairing Ramsey with Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. has the potential to really impact their defensive backfield. The upgrade with Ramsey is immediate, no question, but the drop-off at safety will likely require schematic adjustments.

Trading for two Pro Bowl talents signals boldness from GM Omar Khan and ownership, aligning with prior moves for Rodgers and DK Metcalf in pursuit of deep playoff runs. Maybe Khan learned from the Brandon Aiyuk situation he found himself in last summer.

The Steelers have effectively rebalanced their roster but arguably injecting star power and versatility on both sides of the ball. Whether the defensive dominoes fall into place without Fitzpatrick, or the offense fully capitalizes on Smith, without a true number two wide receiver, remains to be seen. Still, this deal places Pittsburgh firmly in the “Super Bowl or bust” bracket in 2025.