Dolphins Lose Big In Recent Trade—Revealing Pressing Questions

The recent trade headlines surrounding the Miami Dolphins speak volumes to the current state of the team.

NFL.com analyst Eric Edholm recently broke down the blockbuster trade between the Dolphins and Steelers in his latest feature.

While Miami sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick, Edholm highlights key members of the Dolphins who came out on the losing side of this trade.

Despite bringing Darren Waller into the mix, Edholm points out significant concerns.

The Dolphins already faced uncertainty heading into the 2025 season and now must continue to find their footing.

Dolphins Offense Faces Identity Crisis

The ripple effects of the blockbuster trade hit the Dolphins’ offense in more ways than one.

The departure of Jonnu Smith will leave a sizable gap in production for a player who had a career year last season.

And nobody will feel that hit harder than quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

“Now, the trade of Jonnu Smith removed one of the QB’s major weapons from the equation. In Weeks 8-16, Smith (67 targets) saw nearly as much action as Tyreek Hill (69 targets),” said Edholm.

Moreover, the Dolphins did bring in Darren Waller to replace Smith, but Waller is coming out of retirement to join Miami and at 32 years old, there is no telling how much the veteran tight end has left in the tank.

“Hill, Waddle, Tua and De’Von Achane still offer hopes of fielding an offense with firepower, but the Dolphins will suddenly be littered with questions if one or two things go awry with any of these core players,” said Edholm.

With Tagovailoa losing some love, Edholm also highlighted HC Mike McDaniel as another victim of the trade aftermath.

“This is about as tough a spot as McDaniel’s been in since taking over the job. McDaniel is no longer the new kid. He’s now a man who must return his team to success after it was gutted of some talent.”

After a down year in 2024, McDaniel needs to be able to find solutions quickly.

In a hyper-competitive AFC, the Dolphins’ lack of clarity on offense sparks concern heading into a pivotal season.

Ball Dropped On Defense

Parting ways with Jalen Ramsey has been in the works for several months.

Ramsey, who is still a productive cornerback, was the backbone of the Dolphins secondary and allowed Miami to have a corner on an island every week.

Now, with Ramsey heading to the Steel City, the Dolphins must turn to familiar, but unproven faces.

Even with the addition of Fitzpatrick, who returns to the team who drafted him, the Dolphins face questions in every other starting position.

“Nickel CB Kader Kohou is the only other sure thing right now. Storm Duck and Cam Smith got some experience a year ago, and fifth-round CB Jason Marshall Jr. is in the mix, but Miami almost has to seek some outside help. At safety, veterans Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis figure to chip in, yet the depth at both spots is lacking,” said Edholm.

Minkah Fitzpatrick will help the Dolphins defense, and with the assets Miami has thrown to the pass-rush, that should help sustain some success.

However, even with Fitzpatrick remaining an elite addition, there are too many unknowns that remain for the Dolphins.

Tua, McDaniel and the secondary all stand at an important crossroads.

With Edholm highlighting many Dolphins as losers of the trade, the questions keep shadowing the small number of answers.