The Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers broke the off-season radio silence by making a blockbuster trade. The transaction included a late-round pick swap and sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Steelers in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
As the biggest names in the trade are defensive players, it may seem insignificant from a fantasy football perspective. Beyond what meets the eye, this deal has significant implications that fantasy managers would be wise to take note of as they enter the 2025 season.
Last year’s fantasy TE4 is on the move! After finishing last year’s campaign with a bang, Smith entered the offseason seeking a contract extension that the Dolphins weren’t keen on giving. His name circulated in trade rumors the second the season came to a close. The tight end now finds himself in Pittsburgh, playing alongside another noteworthy player, Pat Freiermuth.
The arrival of the former Dolphin muddles the picture in Pittsburgh, as the two will naturally compete for positional targets. While one may emerge as a viable fantasy option as the season reveals itself, the move serves as a deterrent for both in terms of fantasy production. As always, one injury, one big game, or one great practice could propel one of the players to the forefront of the market share. Still, until that evidence comes to present itself, both assets will plummet in ADP as the draft season approaches.
The receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle is a major beneficiary of the Dolphins moving away from Jonnu Smith. This leaves only prospects alongside them to fill the vacancy.
The pair of receivers represent two of the 10 highest-paid receivers in the league. The couple is due to see a whopping $35.7 million in compensation this year. The team will surely look their way in hopes of seeing more production with the departure of the tight end.
One of the league’s best receiving running backs, De’Von Achane, could be the greatest fantasy victor of all. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is known for his tendency to check down. With the tight end room lightening up, Achane is sure to be schemed even more so into the mold.
In addition, the recent injuries to the quarterback are sure to leave the team more hesitant to let plays develop. They’re going to want to see the ball come out early, leaving the short game as a more prominent option.
All of the preceding players are sure to benefit from the 111 vacant targets Smith leaves available with his departure.
The long-time princess of the NFL is getting some more toys to play with. In the offseason, the Steelers sent wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys and traded for WR D.K. Metcalf to serve as his replacement. The move left many wondering how the team would expand on the lackluster receiving room. Acquiring Smith may be just how they do so.
Aaron Rodgers now finds himself on a roster with a variety of receiving targets. Look for the long-time quarterback to be a solid waiver-wire target heading into the 2025 season.
Far and away, the biggest loser from the trade is Freiermuth. A player who, for years, fantasy managers felt was on the cusp of a breakout now has to share a room with last year’s TE4.
While it’s impossible to foresee the future, the once late-round TE asset becomes nearly undraftable amidst the move.
The offseason’s biggest trade will create ripple effects that will stretch throughout the season. Some players benefit, while others suffer. Fantasy football managers should take a moment and reflect on the impact before simply drafting these players with the anticipation of last year’s production.
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*The statistics used in this article are based on the half-PPR format provided by fantasypros.
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