It may only be June but the Pittsburgh Steelers are working to put the right pieces in place for the 2025 NFL season.
It was announced Monday that the Steelers made a trade with the Miami Dolphins, adding cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the squad in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The trade also includes a pick swap in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The Steelers' playoff chances didn't change much after the trade with multiple PA sportsbooks, and Steelers fans alike are not sold that the trade moves the needle.
Steelers' 2025 Odds Stagnant Following Trades
The Steelers hadn't been a favorite prior to their latest trade when it comes to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy come February 2026 and nothing really changes today. While adding the likes of Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and Jalen Ramsey in the same offseason sounds like a recipe for success, it may be a bit outdated. Looking at Pittsburgh's odds to win the Super Bowl sitting at +3500 over at DraftKings Sportsbook PA, they have them right in the middle of the pack, tied for 15th-best odds among the 32 teams.
The odds don't look too inviting when analyzing where they're suspected to finish in the AFC North, either—the Steelers' AFC North odds are currently at +500. And their odds to make the playoffs? +130. That puts them in a similar conversation as the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots, two teams still considered to be in a "rebuilding" phase.
Does Losing Fitzpatrick Hurt Steelers' Secondary?
The loss of Fitzpatrick will undoubtedly alter things for head coach Mike Tomlin's defense but clearly general manager Omar Khan anticipated the corner position being a bigger need this year. Regardless, it was clear the impact Fitzpatrick had on the field during his tenure as a Steeler; after six years in the 'Steel City,' Fitzpatrick intercepted 18 passes, 17 of which came in his first four seasons.
A lack of forcing turnovers the last two season combined with $15.5 million and $17.6 million cap hits in 2025 and 2026, respectively, could've been enough for Khan to make the move. Creating turnovers is something Ramsey continues to do even after he's turned 30, adding three more than Fitzpatrick since the 2022 season.
Who Won the Trade Between Pittsburgh and Miami?
It's much too early to determine a "winner" of the trade. But while the sportsbooks might not be convinced the Steelers are a team to beat in 2025 yet, many of the fans are. The Steelers will miss Fitzpatrick's high-energy persona bouncing around the defense but should button things up with both Ramsey and CB Joey Porter Jr. forcing things inside the field.
To top it off, Smith will add versatility to an offense that it desperately lacks it and creates another safety net for an aging Rodgers. He also reunites with OC Arthur Smith whom he played for in both Tennessee and Atlanta prior to his stint with the Dolphins.
If you're one of the fans that believes today's trade pushes the Steelers into playoff contention, check out the available sports betting promos and bonuses in Pennsylvania and see just what kind of payout exists betting on the Steelers in 2025.
