Dolphins Slam the Door Shut on Trade Rumors: Ramsey and Smith Staying Put in Miami.
Dolphins Slam the Door Shut on Trade Rumors: Ramsey and Smith Staying Put in Miami.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL — July 5, 2025 — Amid a whirlwind of trade chatter swirling around Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey and veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, the Miami Dolphins have taken a definitive stance — neither player is going anywhere.
Sources close to the Dolphins’ front office have confirmed that multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, inquired about a potential blockbuster deal involving Ramsey and Smith over the past two weeks. Talks reportedly escalated to preliminary proposals, but Miami’s response was swift and clear: “Not happening.”
General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel made it clear during internal meetings that trading away Ramsey — a cornerstone of the defense — would be a step backward for a team poised to make a legitimate Super Bowl run in 2025.
“We’re not in the business of weakening our identity,” one team official stated. “Jalen Ramsey is more than just a shutdown corner — he’s a culture-setter, a vocal leader, and a player who still has elite football ahead of him. You don’t trade that away for draft picks.”
As for Jonnu Smith, who joined the Dolphins this offseason to bolster the tight end position following Durham Smythe’s departure, the organization sees him as a critical red-zone asset and mentor for the younger tight ends in the room.
“Jonnu fits exactly what we want to do with this offense — versatility, toughness, and veteran savvy,” said offensive coordinator Frank Smith. “He’s not just here to block. He’s here to win.”
Pittsburgh’s Persistent Pursuit — Denied
According to league insiders, the Pittsburgh Steelers were aggressive in their pursuit of Ramsey, offering a combination of veteran talent and draft capital, reportedly including star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Strategic Silence from McDaniel
While McDaniel did not publicly comment on the trade rumors, he was seen joking with Ramsey and Jonnu Smith during the team’s voluntary mini-camp this week. Team insiders say the head coach remains committed to building around his veterans while nurturing young talent.