After months of speculation, the Miami Dolphins finally executed a Jalen Ramsey trade, sending the star cornerback to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Ramsey no longer on the roster, we’ll be making our updated 2025 Dolphins season predictions.
While the news still shook up the league, it was not a surprise, as the Dolphins confirmed their intentions to trade Ramsey before the 2025 NFL Draft. General manager Chris Grier initially had trouble finding suitors willing to match his high asking price, but he appeared to lower his expectations enough to find Ramsey a new home.
Miami also sent tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh while receiving safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The 28-year-old safety ironically returns to the team nearly six years after the Dolphins traded him to the Steelers. The teams also swapped 2027 draft picks, with Miami receiving Pittsburgh’s fifth-rounder in exchange for its seventh-round selection.
The trade certainly shakes up both teams’ rosters, while creating as many questions as it did answers. While Fitzpatrick fills the void left behind by Jevon Holland, Ramsey’s departure creates a massive vacancy at cornerback. Miami opted not to re-sign Kendall Fuller in free agency, giving defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver two starting spots to fill.
Grier managed to resolve the Ramsey situation, but still has several other internal issues to address. Star receiver Tyreek Hill has created a great deal of chaos in the offseason, making him one of the top names to monitor on the trade market, despite his rescinding his previous request. Regardless of what happens, the Dolphins are likely far from done making moves. Either way, here are our 2025 Dolphins season predictions following the Jalen Ramsey trade.
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Whether it is moving Hill or acquiring another cornerback to replace Ramsey, another blockbuster deal seems in store for Miami. While some foresee the Dolphins blowing it up, they are still within the realm of title contention. Grier’s direction remains unclear after dealing Ramsey.
If they still hope to contend, the Dolphins desperately need another top-level cornerback to replace Ramsey. Landing Fitzpatrick eased the pain, but Miami is facing the unenviable task of replacing both starting cornerbacks in 2025. Storm Duck, who underwhelmed as a rookie with a subpar 55.5 Pro Football Focus player grade, is the team’s top remaining option.
If they do embrace a full rebuild, the Dolphins have many inflated deals Grier would love to get off his books. Hill tops the list, but Bradley Chubb, Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, Zach Sieler and Austin Jackson would all suddenly become available.
Given the state of their roster, a rebuild is not likely in the Dolphins’ future. Everything Grier has said thus far suggests he is still all-in on a title run. Yet, in that case, the team desperately needs help in ways the current free agency market cannot provide. The further one digs, the more the Ramsey trade seems more like the first move than the only...