After months of flirtation, the Pittsburgh Steelers have landed Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. Since the offseason began, the cornerback and tight end have been linked to Pittsburgh as a favorable landing spot. General Manager Omar Khan and Steelers brass finally pulled off the deal, but not without losing a key piece of their club as well.
Minkah Fitzpatrick will pull a Will Smith and “Go back to Miami”, where the 28-year-old began his NFL career seven years ago.
Following the Monday morning trade, social media has gone into a frenzy. There is plenty to be said with both NFL fans and players engaging in the conversation.
Blunt reactions to Steelers-Dolphins Monday morning trade
With two of the best secondary members in the NFL on the move, there was no question the NFL world would have something to say.
One NFL player could not help but be disgusted by how Miami managed its stars. Newly acquired Las Vegas Raider Raheem Mostert took to X to explain his distaste of not only his departure but also that of Ramsey and Smith.
In 2023, Ramsey and Mostert each made the NFL's Pro Bowl. A year later, Smith was the only Dolphin to do so following a career year. With their Pro Bowl-caliber seasons in mind, Mostert is ashamed of the treatment of each player.
NFL Media reactions
Speaking of balling out, one NFL analyst believes the Steelers did just that with this trade. Host of the show “Steelers Talk,” Jack Sperry gave his thoughts.
As much as I love Minkah, Jalen Ramsey is still the best player in that entire trade, and the Steelers got another player on top of him.
The Dolphins did good to get a good defensive player back for Ramsey but on paper the Steelers 100% won this trade in my view. pic.twitter.com/pHlhxVIXo2
— Jack Sperry (@jack_sperry) June 30, 2025
Another NFL analyst, Peter Schrager, sees the move leaving one option for the Steelers: Super Bowl or bust.
I've been laughed at (on TV and off) for the take, but you don't go and acquire Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Rodgers, WR DK Metcalf, and CB Darius Slay if you DON'T have serious Super Bowl aspirations. These are “all in” moves. Whether they are or not, Pitt thinks they're close. @ESPNNFL
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) June 30, 2025
For other Steelers fans, there is concern about bringing in another big-name veteran.
The Steelers are assembling a team that will be more disappointing than the 2011 Eagles
High expectations on paper but no results
— TB EGO (@TomBradyEgo) June 30, 2025
Similarly, another Steelers fan wants Khan and management to address issues elsewhere: wide receiver, safety, and linebacker.
SIGN TYLER BOYD
SIGN JUSTIN SIMMONS
EXTEND TJ
— Flounder (@kentdorffmann) June 30, 2025
With Aaron Rodgers signing with Pittsburgh less than a month ago, the veteran-youth ratio continues to evolve for the Steelers. One fan took to X to detail the impressive defensive unit Teryl Austin now has to work with.
Literally a whole team of Pro Bowlers or All Pros
T.J. Watt
Cameron Heyward
Derrick Harmon
Keeanu Benton
Alex Highsmith
Patrick Queen
Payton Wilson
Jalen Ramsey
Darius Slay
Joey Porter Jr.
Minkah Fitzpatrick
DeShon Elliott
Brandin Echols
Beanie Bishop Jr.
— That Hurts (@That_Hurts) June 30, 2025
While the post came before Fitzpatrick was announced in the deal, the remainder of the list is accurate. Between T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Patrick Queen, Darius Slay, and Ramsey, there is a jaw-dropping 29 Pro-Bowl appearances among those five players.
And of course, some of Behind the Steel Curtain’s contributors had reactions to share as well.
Idk, feels like Tomlin mixing it up to mix it up.
There was something “off” with Minkah and the team at the end of last season. Steelers were looking at safety even if they didn't turn in the card at the draft.
Maybe Ramsey transitions to S back end of his career?
Idk man
— Ryan Parish (@RyanParishmedia) June 30, 2025
In one of the more active offseasons in recent history for the Steelers, will the additions of Ramsey and Smith help them accomplish what they have not done since 2016 and achieve a playoff victory? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
