Minkah Fitzpatrick is returning to Miami after six seasons with the Steelers, in a three-team player-and-pick swap that could significantly impact both franchises—and reshapes Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl push around their newly acquired quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
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🔄 Trade Overview
Steelers receive
CB Jalen Ramsey (3× All‑Pro, latest salary $26.6M after $1.5M raise)
TE Jonnu Smith (Pro Bowl, 88 catches last year, on one-year $12M extension)
2027 7th‑round pick
Dolphins receive
S Minkah Fitzpatrick (3× All‑Pro, 5× Pro Bowl, originally Dolphins’ 2018 11th overall pick)
2027 5th‑round pick
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Miami Dolphins: Welcome Home, Fitzpatrick 🐬
1. Cap relief & roster flexibility
Trading Ramsey and Smith helped mitigate the spike from Tua Tagovailoa’s extension, which raised Miami’s 2025 cap hit to ~$29M . Fitzpatrick’s new base (approx. $15.5M) is a cheaper yet high-impact option—a strong value return.
2. A defensive foundation
Fitzpatrick brings elite coverage, field vision, and playmaking. Even with some decline—four pass deflections and only one interception in 2024—he remains a top‑10 safety as per league evaluators . Reuniting with Miami provides stability and leadership to their secondary after losing Jevon Holland to free agency.
3. Emotional and strategic payoff
Bringing Fitzpatrick back where his career began is more than sentiment—it fits coach Mike McDaniel’s defense perfectly. The trade earns Miami high marks: analysts rate it an A‑ for talent gain and financial prudence .
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Pittsburgh Steelers: Betting on Rodgers, Expanding the Plan
1. Stockpiling star power
In the last month, Pittsburgh has aggressively loaded up—Aaron Rodgers in a one-year deal, DK Metcalf, Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, and Jonnu Smith. Observers call it a “superteam” strategy designed to capitalize on Rodgers’ impending swan song .
2. Cornerback dominance
With Ramsey, Slay, and Joey Porter Jr., Teryl Austin now has a formidable trio to match up against top WRs and potentially rotate heavily. Ramsey’s versatility allows for strategic alignment—slot, boundary, or even safety roles .
3. Offensive depth with Smith
Jonnu Smith offers reliable pass-catching—88 receptions, 884 yards, eight TDs last year—and an instant fit under OC Arthur Smith, who previously coached him in both Tennessee and Atlanta