Steelers' Source Gives Honest Reason For Parting Ways With Minkah Fitzpatrick In Blockbuster Trade

The recent lack of splash plays from the star safety were not enough to back up what the organization was paying him, which certainly played a role in completing the trade. However, it is important to note that gaining two Pro Bowl-caliber players in the deal also played a large factor. Now, Fitzpatrick gets to return to the team that drafted him in the first place, and he gets a fresh start under a new coaching staff in Miami.

Fitzpatrick was traded to Pittsburgh at the start of the 2019 season, and he made an impact immediately. In his first season with the Steelers, he picked off five passes and scored two defensive touchdowns, which was just the start of a very impressive stint with the franchise. Throughout his first four years with the team, he tallied 17 picks and four defensive touchdowns, which was impressive production for a safety. 

Things took a turn for the safety during the 2023 season when he struggled with multiple injuries, and he was only able to play in 10 games (where he didn't even finish them all). He went through the entire year without forcing a turnover, but fans were able to consider the injuries he was dealing with. Things were thought to be different in 2024, but he recorded just one interception. Those two seasons were a prime example of the lack of splash plays he was making, which ultimately led to him being shipped off.

Steelers Now Have A Hole To Fill At Free Safety

The Steelers signed Juan Thornhill during the 2025 offseason, and he is now the top free safety on the depth chart. However, Dulac also mentioned in a different post that his source mentioned the team wants to see Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., and Darius Slay all on the field at the same time. Two would clearly line up at cornerback on the outside, but the other could transition to free safety, or play slot cornerback. 

A lot will depend on the defensive scheme and the personnel packages the coaching staff needs to put on the field based on the opponent, and it will be an interesting situation to monitor as the regular season gets closer.