When the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins swapped All-Pro defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jalen Ramsey, many were left wondering what the rationale was for the blockbuster move. Ramsey is older and more expensive overall, and while he plays a more impactful position at corner, he looks to be gearing up for a role as a slot/safety hybrid with the Steelers.
Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, is younger and was a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, even after two down seasons in a row from a playmaking perspective (just one interception over the last two years). Sure, his cap hits were beginning to be an eyesore considering his impact, but the defense added talent this offseason that could potentially allow him to be more of a playmaker again in 2025.
However, it appears that the reason for the trade was indeed related to his contract, just not in the way you would think. With the Dolphins reworking his contract to add $16.245 in guarantees, it's a signal that the Steelers knew that he wasn't happy with his current deal.
Pittsburgh Steelers made the right call offloading Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins
While the Dolphins' decision to add guarantees to Fitzpatrick's deal actually saves them money in 2025, it's fair to wonder if his desire for a new deal is what prompted his departure from the Steelers.
Pittsburgh already paid him a significant sum for his impressive run to start his career there, and they rarely like to have guaranteed money beyond the first year of contracts. The $36 million in guaranteed in money had already been paid out by the Steelers, leaving two years of non-guaranteed salary left on his deal.
Fitzpatrick undoubtedly wanted more insurance that he would remain with the team beyond 2025, but his decline in impactful plays likely concerned the Steelers. That could very well be the reason that they pivoted to making a deal with Miami, choosing to bank on Ramsey's ability to continue playing at a high level.
Whatever the reason ultimately was, the fact that Miami needed to add more guaranteed money to make the three-time All-Pro happy makes the Steelers look smart for dealing him away. Unless he can suddenly regain his playmaking ability, his impact for the Dolphins won't justify the pay raise.
Even if he can justify his price tag, Ramsey looks poised to be a huge upgrade for the Steelers' overall pass defense.
