It's been a year since Omar Khan's blockbuster trade shook up the NFL, and the verdict is in: this deal has not aged gracefully. In my opinion, the trade's initial promise has faded, leaving a sour taste for Pittsburgh Steelers fans. Let's dive into the details and explore why this move hasn't lived up to expectations.
The Trade's Promise
Last year, Khan orchestrated a rare blockbuster trade, sending shockwaves through the NFL. The Steelers acquired DB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith, along with a 2027 seventh-round pick, in exchange for S Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. On paper, it seemed like a win-win, with Pittsburgh gaining potential upgrades on both offense and defense.
Early Returns: Disappointing
Fast forward to the present, and the early returns are less than stellar. Fitzpatrick is no longer with the Dolphins, and Smith has parted ways with the Steelers. The reasons for these departures are telling. Miami, in the midst of a rebuild, let go of their head coach, GM, and starting quarterback, making it logical to part ways with a pricey, aging safety. Conversely, Pittsburgh, still aiming to compete, decided Smith wasn't part of their future, given his poor performance and high salary.
Smith's Impact (or Lack Thereof)
Smith's individual stats were abysmal, and his presence hindered the utilization of Pat Freiermuth, a criminally underused talent. The Steelers' 2026 dead money ledger reflects this, with $10.73 million tied up in Fitzpatrick and Smith. Isolating Smith's impact, it's clear this trade was a disaster for Pittsburgh. A straight swap of Ramsey for Fitzpatrick would have been a better move.
Comparing the Defensive Backs
Fitzpatrick, a safety, and Ramsey, a corner turned safety due to injury, put up comparable stats in 2025. Fitzpatrick had 82 tackles, 4 TFL, a sack, 6 passes defensed, an INT, and a forced fumble in 14 games. Ramsey, in 17 games, had 88 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 sacks, 8 passes defensed, and an INT. Despite playing three fewer games, their production was nearly identical.
Miami's Win
Based on the 2025 season, Miami came out on top. They offloaded a significant salary and gained comparable production from Fitzpatrick. The Steelers, meanwhile, got older with Ramsey being two years Fitzpatrick's senior. Additionally, the late-round pick swap, often overlooked, now seems unfortunate for Pittsburgh, especially with the 2027 draft class being touted as one of the deepest in recent memory.
Hindsight is 20/20
If Pittsburgh had the benefit of hindsight, it's unlikely they'd make this trade again, or at least not with the same terms. The opportunity cost and the impact on the team's future are too great.
A Sliver of Hope
However, the story isn't over yet. Ramsey's new role as a STAR defensive back could be a game-changer. The Steelers' defensive staff plans to 'weaponize' him, drawing inspiration from Charles Woodson's late-career success. If Ramsey has a strong season, this trade might be redeemed. But if not, it will be a significant blemish on Khan's record as GM.
This trade's narrative is a cautionary tale, highlighting the fine line between a blockbuster move and a costly mistake. It's a reminder that, in the NFL, every decision can have far-reaching implications.
