Steelers’ Ramsey, Smith Address Dolphins Trade as Business Decision
Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, two key players for the Pittsburgh Steelers, recently addressed the implications of their trade with the Miami Dolphins. This deal has left both players reflecting on their career transitions, which they consider a business decision.
The Trade Dynamics: Ramsey and Smith
Ramsey joined the Steelers after a significant trade that saw him exchanged for Dolphins’ safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. After their walk-through practice at Acrisure Stadium, Ramsey downplayed his time with the Dolphins, emphasizing that the move was strictly business. He noted that Fitzpatrick had spent the bulk of his prime years in Pittsburgh, contrasting their experiences.
- Ramsey received a contract extension worth $72.3 million.
- His salary increased by $1.5 million after the trade, totaling $26.6 million this season.
- Jonnu Smith signed with the Steelers for $12 million this season.
The Coaching Influence
Both players expressed respect for Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin. Ramsey found the recent fan calls for Tomlin’s dismissal during the Steelers’ home loss to the Bills “comical.” He referred to Tomlin as a Hall of Fame coach and a motivator, highlighting the positive influence he has had on his career, despite Ramsey being relatively new to the team.
Performance and Motivation
Ramsey has transitioned to playing safety for the Steelers, adapting quickly after a mid-season injury to DeShon Elliott. Since joining, he has been consistent, playing every defensive snap in ten out of fourteen games and recording 21 tackles in the last three games.
On the other hand, Jonnu Smith’s role has not been as prominent as it was with the Dolphins, where he achieved a career-best last season. With the Steelers, he has recorded just 30 receptions and two touchdowns in thirteen games.
- Smith’s previous season stats with Miami:
- 88 receptions
- 884 yards
- 8 touchdowns
- Current season stats with Pittsburgh:
- 31 receptions
- 190 yards
- 2 touchdowns
Game Ahead: Steelers vs. Dolphins
As the Steelers prepare to face the Dolphins, both players are motivated to secure a victory that could bring them closer to clinching the AFC North Division title. Ramsey treats the upcoming game as any other, although he acknowledges the challenge of playing in cold conditions.
The Steelers are currently positioned at 7-6, while the Dolphins stand at 6-7. The outcome of this match could significantly impact both teams’ playoff aspirations.
