Steelers Land Smith and Ramsey in Blockbuster Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a splash in the NFL landscape, acquiring tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins in a surprising trade finalized on June 30th. This move comes after weeks of speculation surrounding the futures of both players, injecting fresh talent into the Steelers' roster.

Smith, despite expressing a desire to remain in Miami, conveyed his enthusiasm for the new chapter in his career during an appearance on Terron Armstead's podcast on July 2nd. He highlighted the sense of being valued by the Steelers organization as a major factor in his excitement.

The appeal of joining a historically successful franchise, capable of consistently contending for championships, was a significant draw for both Smith and Ramsey. Smith emphasized the culture cultivated by head coach Mike Tomlin as a key reason for their shared interest in joining the Steelers. They believe they can be the pieces that will take the team to the next level.

While Smith acknowledges the business side of the NFL, he admitted to feeling disappointed by the Dolphins' decision to pursue a trade. Coming off a career year in 2024, with 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, Smith believed he was a vital component of Miami's future success.

His intention was to negotiate a contract extension and potentially spend the remainder of his career with the Dolphins. He shared plans of establishing deeper roots in the Miami area, signaling his long-term commitment to the team and the community.

The Steelers present Smith with his fifth NFL team in his career, and he hopes that this will be his final team. With the opportunity to make a significant impact, Smith aims to replicate his Pro Bowl-caliber performance, solidifying his role and securing a long-term future in Pittsburgh.