One of the biggest storylines this offseason was where Jalen Ramsey was going to land. The All-Pro cornerback was looking for a new home, and the Jacksonville Jaguars made a bit of sense, as he's expected to switch to safety, and they seemingly help at the position. However, he was ultimately traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then again, the Jags aren't probably shedding a tear.
Ramsey himself broke the news that he was going to Pittsburgh. This doesn't come as a surprise, as the trade had been in the works for a while. What's shocking is what the final trade looks like.
Full terms of Mondayโs Steelers-Dolphins blockbuster:
Steelers get:
๐CB Jalen Ramsey
๐TE Jonnu Smith
๐2027 7th-round pick
Dolphins get:
๐S Minkah Fitzpatrick
๐2027 5th-round pick https://t.co/OvqRLfb2dr
โ Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2025
Not only are the Steelers getting Ramsey, but they're also acquiring tight end Jonny Smith. In return, they're sending back Minkah Fitzpatrick and a late-round pick to the Miami Dolphins.
For context, Fitzpatrick began his career in Miami and was traded to the Steelers in 2019. All things considered, the trade looks a bit lopsided, but that's because the Phins had been trying to unload Ramsey and his massive salary for months and had no leverage.
The fifth overall pick in 2016, Ramsey spent his first three seasons with the Jags and was traded to the Los Angeles Rams at the midpoint of the 2019 season because of a contract dispute. Since leaving Jacksonville, he's gone on to earn four Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro designations.
While the former Florida State Seminole may no longer be a top-5 cornerback, he still played at a high level last year. However, several analysts have suggested he switch to safety to prolong his shelf life. He may or may not change positions with the Steelers, but this story has at last come to its conclusion.
Why the Jaguars weren't a fit for Jalen Ramsey
Leaving aside the controversial end to his stint in Duval, the Jacksonville Jaguars weren't in need of Jalen Ramsey. There's no doubt that he's still a playmaker, but they were stacked at both cornerback and safety, so he could've been an unnecessary luxury.
Granted, the safety room is in flux, and the team's brass will need to sort out the depth chart. However, the Jags appear to be pleased with the mix of veterans and youth they have in the fold. On the other hand, their cornerback room is in good shape, as they have four potential starters: Jourdan Lewis, Jarrian Jones, Tyson Campbell, and Montaric Brown. Who do you take off the field? On top of that, it doesn't look like the Jags were willing to either give up any assets or take on Ramsey's salary.
Sure, you could make the case that James Gladstone is not afraid to swing for the fences. Heck, Jacksonville was predicted to make a bold move ahead of the regular season. However, they didn't have the need for a cornerback.
While a reunion with the Jaguars never materialized (or was even considered), Jalen Ramsey got what he wanted: A new home. On the other hand, the Dolphins at last will be able to turn the page, so everyone should be pleased with how things played out.
Here are other Jaguars stories you may also like: