More details from the Steelers‘ blockbuster acquisitions of TE Jonnu Smith and Jalen Ramsey have now been revealed.
On a recent episode of The Rich Eisen Show, insider Tom Pelissero explained that the Dolphins were almost forced into a player-for-player type trade scenario — as any trade partner would be more willing to take Ramsey’s expensive contract if Miami took a high-salary player in return.
After trade negotiations with the Rams and Chargers fell through, Pelissero pointed to the perfect scenario that presented itself with Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick — but it may have come down to the Pro Bowl tight end:
“It just so happened that the Dolphins also had a situation with Jonnu Smith — who happens to be Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s favorite tight end — where he, too, became available,” Pelissero said. “The Steelers had a guy in Minkah Fitzpatrick, who’s due $15.5 million this season — his ball production in particular over the last couple of years has not been the same. Minkah is still only 28, but maybe not quite the same player he was the first time around in Miami.
“[The Steelers] get a more versatile player, albeit one who’s being paid more, in Jalen Ramsey. They think they can do a lot of different things with him, and a bonus out of that trade is they get a guy in Jonnu Smith, who’s coming off a productive season in Miami.”
While some have criticized the Steelers for exchanging aging DBs, one has to wonder — after hearing Pelissero’s insight — if Pittsburgh would have even entertained trading Fitzpatrick unless Smith came along as well.
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