By Ray Porter Jr. for Urban Media Today
If you’ve been paying attention to this offseason, then you will agree that the Pittsburgh Steelers have made a lot of power moves, though the NFL Draft, free agency, and trades. Such moves continue to send the message that they are serious about making a run in 2025.
Well, it’s apparent the Steelers aren’t done making such moves as on Monday, they agreed to acquire three-time All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey, Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith along with a 2027 7th round pick in a trade with the Miami Dolphins for S Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 5th round pick.
Ramsey 30, is a 6-year veteran, and 7-time Pro Bowler was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016 and went on to become one of the NFL’s premier shutdown cornerbacks. He’s also played for the LA Rams (earned a Super Bowl ring in 2022) and most recently, the Miami Dolphins.
He confirmed he was headed to Pittsburgh, posting to X, “Break my own news! #HereWeGo @steelers.”
For his career, Ramsey has played in 135 games, registered 534 tackles, caught 24 interceptions, and 3 sacks. He adds experience to a Steelers secondary that also includes fellow veteran CB Darius Slay (who won a ring with Philadelphia), and 3rd year CB Joey Porter Jr. He has experience playing outside and in the slot.
Smith, 29, is a 6-3, 248 receiving TE who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2017, when he also played for current Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. He has also played for the New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, in addition to the Dolphins. He’s coming off a career year of 88 receptions, 884 yards, and 8 TDs. For his career, Smith has caught 307 passes for 3,307 yards and 28 TDs. He joins a TE group that includes veteran Pat Freiermuth, 3rd year man Darnell Washington, and 4th year man Connor Heyward.
The Steelers originally acquired Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins in 2018, and he instantly became an All-Pro Safety, intercepting 5 passes in his first season with his new team. He would then intercept a career-high 6 in 2022 and a total of 18 from 2019-2022. But in 2023, Fitzpatrick suffered knee injuries that hampered his season and had a struggling 2024 in which he had only 2 interceptions, despite making his 5th Pro Bowl. For his career, Fitzpatrick registered 608 tackles, 5 Forced fumbles, 54 Pass deflections, 20 interceptions and 5 Defensive Touchdowns.
Fitzpatrick joins a Dolphins secondary that’s in need of a veteran presence after they released cornerback Kendall Fuller after one season and allowed safeties Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer to leave in free agency. Former Steelers first round pick Artie Burns also joined the Dolphins through Free Agency in the offseason.
Notes: Ramsey will receive a $1.5 million raise, bringing his 2025 compensation up to $26.6 million as the Steelers will take on the bulk of Ramsey’s contract this upcoming season, with the Dolphins paying $3 million, per sources. Smith will receive a one-year contract extension worth $12 million.
Please email Ray at rayporterjr72@gmail.com
Follow him @RP2872_Jr on X (formerly Twitter)
