The NFL’s offseason this year has been defined by huge, franchise-changing player movement as teams gear up for the 2025 season. The Pittsburgh Steelers took home the grand prize for that by trading for Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Dolphins slash tight end Jonnu Smith. In return, the Dolphins shipped safety Minkah Fitzpatrick plus a 2027 fifth-round draft choice back in return.
In one of those trades, the Dolphins added tight end Darren Waller from the New York Giants. Noticeably more teams are adopting this strategy. On the ground, folks are running full steam ahead, recruiting and building their rosters for what will be the first full season in 2024.
Key Trades Shape Team Dynamics
The Steelers’ acquisition of Jalen Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro cornerback, is a huge addition to their defense. In addition to Ramsey, the Steelers went out and got star tight end Jonnu Smith, making their offensive arsenal even more dangerous. Ramsey’s earnings will increase by $1.5 million this year alone. That makes his projected 2025 total compensation an eye-popping $26.6 million.
The Dolphins are making room for new defensive players by trading both Ramsey and Smith. They’re adding a real game-changer on the back end, Minkah Fitzpatrick, a three-time All-Pro who made an immediate impact after being acquired last season. The Steelers threw in a 2027 seventh-round pick to sweeten the deal. This aggressive move further underscores their commitment to contending now, while still setting up for strong future drafts.
Dolphins Make Moves for Offensive Strength
In perhaps the second-biggest move, the Miami Dolphins added tight end Darren Waller to the fray. The 32-year-old tight end just recently exited retirement. In announcing his return, Johnson noted that he was coming back to football “for the love of the game.” The best connector The Dolphins’ first big move was trading for Waller from the New York Giants. In the deal, they acquired a 2027 seventh-round pick, sending a conditional sixth-round pick in 2026.
Waller’s experience and skill set are expected to provide a substantial boost to the Dolphins’ offensive capabilities. How this trade signals Miami’s desire to improve their roster and gain an advantage going into the new season.
Defensive Adjustments Across Teams
Even the Las Vegas Raiders joined the roster-destroying party by trading rookie cornerback Jakorian Bennett to the Philadelphia Eagles. Bennett, of course, was the fourth round pick of the 2023 draft. He has appeared in 24 career games with the Raiders, starting 11 of those contests. In exchange, the Eagles received a 2025 sixth-round pick while sending defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV to Las Vegas.
Russell Westbrook and John Wall These trades underscore an important trend in the league’s power structure. Teams are furiously setting their lineups, increasingly through focused exchanges that fill specific needs and create greater cumulative balance on their rosters.
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