Evaluating Trade Packages for Two Dolphins Stars
The Miami Dolphins have made many headlines this offseason, but none for good reason. The offseason has felt like it’s lasted years — very few splashes to improve the team, instead more speculation about several different stars possibly on the move. Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith are just two of the many highlight players on their roster. These two players elevated the team to their respective positions. However, both players could be wearing different threads before the mandatory training camp even begins. This is thanks to contract disputes and unhappiness with the team’s coaching staff, two issues that have lingered over the last decade. With that being said, in this article, you will find a potential trade package for both players that makes sense for all parties involved.
Jalen Ramsey Trade Package
Dolphins Receive:
2026 fourth-round pick
Panthers Receive:
CB Jalen Ramsey
Why This Works for the Dolphins
Jalen Ramsey isn’t the player he once was at the age of 30. Regression was shown last season, along with struggles to stay on the field. The Dolphins wouldn’t be getting a huge haul for Ramsey, especially after giving up just a third-round pick and backup tight end Hunter Long when receiving him in 2023. In 2024, Ramsey finished with a 76.6 PFF grade, being targeted by opposing offenses 65 times, leading to 48 receptions, 566 yards, and two touchdowns.
These stats don’t match the extension he received before Week One. Ramsey signed a three-year, $72 million extension, making the 30-year-old the highest-paid cornerback in football at the time. Since it’s currently after June 1st, the Dolphins now owe him $6.7 million in salary for 2025, and the remaining $18.4 million would hit the 2026 cap. These numbers are still large amounts to many teams, as anyone who acquires Ramsey will be required to pay him $21 million. The Dolphins should cut their losses and send Ramsey to a hungry young team in need of a solid cornerback while receiving a fourth-round pick, which in turn could be the highest they’ll be offered.
Why This Works for the Panthers
The Panthers might be the best fit for Jalen Ramsey. A young team led by their third-year QB, with talented names on defense but still missing that veteran presence, and a ton of cap space to spare. The Panthers already have Jaycee Horn in their secondary, a 25-year-old who’s already been considered a top CB in the league. The Panthers have the chance to pair him up with Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro, to make them one of the best secondary duos in all of football. The Panthers gave up the 10th most passing yards in 2024, while also giving up the most passing touchdowns in the NFL with a resounding 35. Trading for a proven star is what winning teams do, especially young teams who are looking to break into the contenders category.
Jonnu Smith Package
Dolphins Receive:
Fifth-round pick
Steelers Receive:
TE Jonnu Smith
Why This Works for the Dolphins
The Dolphins are making the ultimate head-scratcher by exploring trade options for tight end Jonnu Smith. For the first time in several years, the Dolphins finally have a viable TE option that can do it all, a tight end who made the Pro Bowl in 2024 with his stellar receiving stats. Smith played 54.8% of the team's offensive snaps last season and accounted for roughly a quarter of the team's receiving yards. Dolphins tight ends recorded 1,053 receiving yards last season, with Smith accounting for 84% of that production.
This trade doesn’t entirely make sense for the Dolphins. Besides Smith, the Fins have a depleted TE room, with free-agent acquisition Pharaoh Brown set to be the starter if Smith is moved. Julian Hill and Tanner Conner can also fill the position, but all three just summarize how important the former Falcon is to this offense. Drew Rosenhaus, Smith's agent, said on June 1st that his client's "first choice" was to remain with the Dolphins. "Here's what I will say on behalf of my client: Jonnu would like to stay in Miami. That's his first choice," Rosenhaus said in his weekly appearance on WSVN-TV.
These rumors started to occur after Smith was interested in a possible contract extension. The Dolphins originally signed the 29-year-old in 2024 to a two-year, $8.4 million deal. He set franchise records for a tight end last season with 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, which were also all career highs. The $4.09 million owed to him in 2025 ranks 30th among tight ends in total cash owed, but Smith ranked fourth in receiving yards by a tight end last season. It’s clear that Smith deserves the payday, so why not pay him? The Dolphins have $14 million in free cap space, meaning yes, they can afford a restructured deal with Smith, who rightfully deserves one.
Why This Works for the Steelers
Arthur Smith and Jonnu Smith are the perfect duo. The Smiths have worked together in the past, spending a year together in 2023 with the Falcons, as the new Steelers offensive coordinator had a stacked tight-end duo of Jonnu and Kyle Pitts. The current Dolphin emerged as the coordinator’s favorite receiving weapon, totaling 50 receptions for 582 yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers have been sniffing around the league for another receiving weapon to add after trading for D.K. Metcalf and trading away George Pickens. Over the past week, the Steelers have looked at wide receiver Gabe Davis and another former player for Arthur Smith in Kyle Pitts, but no player fits as Jonnu does. Trading for Smith would be more of a luxury than a need. The team recently extended tight end Pat Freiermuth to a four-year, $48 million contract, while also having Darnell Washington in the backup spot. However, Donald Parham tore his Achilles this past week, which will sideline him for the entire 2025 season. Trading for Smith also fits the Steelers’ budget, who will most likely give the extension to the Pro Bowler, as he deserves. Trading away a day-three pick for a valuable receiving threat would be best for Pittsburgh, especially now with their guaranteed quarterback in Aaron Rodgers.
