As the NFL season progresses, a highly anticipated trade between the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers has captured widespread attention. This deal involves three star players, with the Dolphins acquiring safety Minkah Fitzpatrick along with a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft, while the Steelers receive athlete Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, and a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft.
In this deal, the Dolphins are clearly focused on strengthening their safety position while also aiming to ease the team’s salary burden. Although Minkah Fitzpatrick’s age and potential have the Dolphins looking forward with enthusiasm for the future, this move comes at a cost in terms of roster depth.
Jonnu Smith’s contract will hit the free agent market at $8.4 million in 2024. With his outstanding performance and expectations for a higher salary, the Dolphins couldn’t meet his demands, ultimately leaving them with no choice but to take on trading risks. The Steelers have offered Smith a one-year contract worth $12 million, almost three times the Dolphins’ original contract, which complicates the Dolphins’ decision-making process. This situation has created a vacancy at the tight end position for the Dolphins, and how to fill that gap has become the current focal point.
Moreover, the shortcomings in the safety positions cannot be ignored. Brandon Jones’s injury prevented him from staying on the team, and his stellar performance after signing with the Broncos in 2024 has put pressure on the Dolphins’ management regarding their previous judgments. Jevon Holland faced his own ups and downs over the past season, and if his struggles are indeed affected by contract negotiations as rumored, then it’s clear the Dolphins’ personnel management needs to take a closer look at its approach. Ultimately, Holland signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Giants, highlighting the Dolphins’ deficiencies in contract negotiations.
Additionally, Jalen Ramsey’s departure highlights the challenges in the Dolphins’ internal management. The escalating conflicts with the coaching staff ultimately led to a trade that seemed unavoidable. The recent exits of several team captains clearly indicate a short-term mindset regarding management and leadership selection within the team. Moving forward, the Dolphins may need to focus more on the long-term compatibility of their players to build a more solid internal culture.
