Phins Phorward
Edition #15
Trading Places
Let’s put those Phins Phorward! I wanted to let the dust settle a little bit and not have too much of a knee-jerk reaction before I threw my two cents in about the blockbuster trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sending Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a late-round pick swap feels like a seismic shift for a franchise at a crossroads.
I must admit, I’m somewhat torn about this deal. Part of me sees a savvy move by GM Chris Grier to reset the roster, but another part worries that we’ve given away too much. Here’s my take on the pros and cons of my fins.
I’ll start with the bright side: getting Minkah Fitzpatrick back is a homecoming that puts a huge smile on my face! I always hated that he was traded away, to begin with, and now he’s back home where he belongs. Drafted by Miami in 2018, Fitzpatrick is a three-time All-Pro safety who’s still just 28. His 17 interceptions since 2019 and the ability to lock down the deep third instantly bolster the secondary.
He’s a perfect fit for Anthony Weaver’s defense, and his $15.5 million salary for 2025 is a bargain compared to Ramsey’s $26.6 million cap hit.
Speaking of cap space, shedding Ramsey’s deal saves Miami $9.9 million in 2025, giving GM Chris Grier the flexibility to address other holes on the roster. Fitzpatrick brings intensity and leadership to the secondary and he’s a culture setter who will anchor the defense for years to come. After an 8-9 season, Miami needed a spark, and Fitzpatrick will be the cornerstone of that defensive backfield.
Trading Jalen Ramsey, though, a seven-time Pro Bowler, almost feels like waving a white flag on contending in 2025. Ramsey was arguably our best defensive player, with 24 career interceptions and unmatched versatility at outside corner, slot, and even safety if need be. Losing him leaves our secondary in the hands of unproven players like Storm Duck and Kader Kohou.
If our young secondary struggles, this trade could turn the defense into a liability. Minkah could have his hands full back there trying to lead these young guys.
Then there’s Jonnu Smith, who had a career year in 2024, setting franchise tight end records with 88 catches, 884 yards, and eight touchdowns. He was Tua’s safety valve, especially on third downs, and his departure leaves a gaping hole at tight end. Hopefully, you have a recently unretired Darren Waller who can help fill that gap.
Without Smith, though, Miami’s inconsistent offense might stall, forcing Tua to rely more heavily on an increasingly uninterested Tyreek Hill. I keep thinking about those games where Smith’s yards-after-catch heroics bailed us out of a lot of tough spots. Someone is going to have to step up and fill that role.
The bigger picture worries me, too. This trade screams retool, but Miami’s 8-9 record wasn’t a complete disaster so why dismantle a roster that was a few plays from the playoffs? I know the front office wanted some cap flexibility, but trading two proven stars for one (albeit great) player feels like a step back. If Fitzpatrick doesn’t recapture his 2019-2020 form, or if the secondary collapses around him, this deal could haunt Miami for years.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love Minkah Fitzpatrick’s return. He’s just a game-changer who fits Miami’s long-term vision. The cap savings are a lifeline for a team strapped by big contracts. However, losing Ramsey AND Smith weakens us at two critical positions, and I’m skeptical if our depth can hold up in a tough AFC.
As a Dolphins fan, I’m hopeful but nervous. This trade is a gamble that could either jumpstart a team or derail the whole season. I’ll be watching and waiting to see if Grier’s bet pays off. Only time will tell.
