The Miami Dolphins made a major move on June 30 by acquiring safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a high-profile trade to boost their secondary. Despite this addition, the team still faces a critical concern regarding its cornerback depth, especially due to the ongoing absence of Jalen Ramsey.

Secondary Concerns Amid Ramsey’s Absence

Before obtaining Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins were already struggling with vulnerabilities in their secondary. Jalen Ramsey’s injury has left the cornerback position dangerously thin, raising alarm among analysts and fans alike. CBS Sports analyst Josh Edwards pointed out the severity of this issue:

“Cornerback had been an issue for Miami even prior to the Ramsey trade,”

—Josh Edwards, CBS Sports analyst

This weakness at cornerback remains the team’s most urgent problem, despite the recent trade to strengthen the safety position.

Evaluating Miami’s Cornerback Roster

Currently, Kader Kohou is expected to manage the slot cornerback role, but questions remain about the overall depth and readiness of the position group. The team’s hesitation to rely on developing players like Cam Smith further complicates the picture, signaling that immediate contributions are needed rather than waiting for prospects to mature.

The Dolphins’ cornerback roster features players such as Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner, Jason Marshall Jr., and Artie Burns, all competing for roles within the secondary. Additional cornerbacks include Isaiah Johnson, Ethan Robinson, BJ Adams, Kendall Sheffield, and Ryan Cooper Jr., creating a varied but unproven group that must step up in critical defensive moments without the veteran leadership of Ramsey.

The Road Ahead for Miami’s Defense

Trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick demonstrates Miami’s clear intent to enhance its defensive backfield, but the pressing challenge centers on fortifying the cornerback unit heading into the new season. With training camp on the horizon, the Dolphins face an urgent task to reinforce their secondary depth, which will be vital to their aspirations for competitive success.