Dolphins and Steelers Execute Major Trade, Waller Returns to NFL
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In a significant move impacting both teams’ defenses, the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers have completed a trade involving multiple Pro Bowl players. The deal sees safety Minkah Fitzpatrick heading to Miami, while cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith are going to Pittsburgh.
June 27
Miami Dolphins get: Darren Waller, a 2027 seventh-round draft pick.
New York Giants get: A 2026 conditional sixth-round draft pick.
Tight end Darren Waller has come out of retirement to rejoin the NFL with the Miami Dolphins.Waller, 32, reportedly informed close contacts he “missed football” and was motivated to return for his passion for the game. His agent,Drew Rosenhaus,confirmed the return to ESPN.
June 30
Pittsburgh Steelers get: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, a 2027 seventh-round draft pick.
Miami Dolphins get: Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick,a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.
The Dolphins traded Ramsey and Smith to the Steelers in exchange for Fitzpatrick and a draft pick adjustment.Ramsey will see his 2025 salary increase to $26.6 million, a $1.5 million raise, with the Steelers assuming the majority of his contract for the current season; the Dolphins will contribute $3 million. Smith received a one-year contract extension from Pittsburgh valued at $12 million. The trade was negotiated by agents David Mulugheta (ramsey),Erik Burkhardt (Smith),and Rosenhaus (Waller & Fitzpatrick).
