Steelers Are Big Winners From Blockbuster Dolphins Trade, NFL Analyst Says

It’s safe to say the Steelers are all-in on 2025. That was pretty obvious after the team signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who later said he expects to retire after this season. And it became crystal clear after Monday’s blockbuster trade with the Dolphins.

By all accounts, Pittsburgh walked away the big winner from the deal which brought cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonny Smith to the Steelers and sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins. But the biggest individual winner is Rodgers, according to NFL.com’s Eric Edholm.

“(Rodgers) was already on board before this trade, but now he’ll have a true WR1 (DK Metcalf), two tight ends who combined for 150 catches last season (Smith and Pat Freiermuth), more help in the backfield and a young, talented starting five on the offensive line,” Edholm wrote Monday. “No one knows whether all of this will work. But there’s absolutely a path where it can.”

No. 2 on Edholm’s list of winners was Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who worked with Jonnu Smith in Atlanta and Tennessee. “They’ve stabilized the offensive line over the past two offseasons, and now Arthur Smith — Mr. Tight End himself — has a toy box full of options with which to play at the position,” Edholm added. “If the Steelers don’t score more points this season, it won’t be because of a lack of offensive talent around Rodgers.”

At No. 3 is Ramsey, who received a “$1.5 million boost this season (coming after the Dolphins already paid him $4 million this offseason, plus more to facilitate the trade), but he also can cash in again with a strong campaign in 2025,” Edholm wrote.

Fitzpatrick checked in at No. 4 as he gets ready for his second tour of duty in Miami. Rounding out the list is Jonnu Smith, who “might not log as many catches as he did last season, but he’s likely on a better team now,” Edholm concluded. “Plus, he snagged a one-year, $12 million extension that should move him well up the pay ranks at the position.”

As for the biggest losers, Edholm said they are all in Miami: quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, head coach Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins defense.

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