Minkah Fitzpatrick has been a mainstay on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense since the franchise acquired him in a trade with the Miami Dolphins following Week 2 of the 2019 season. The unit has consistently been among the best in the league, ranking eighth in scoring defense and 12th in total yards allowed last season.
While Pittsburgh fans were thrilled to land Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith in a trade with the Dolphins on Monday, they were equally as shocked that Fitzpatrick would be going back to Miami in the deal. An NFL insider recently explained what led to their willingness to include the five-time Pro Bowler in the deal.
Insider Discusses Why Steelers Sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to Dolphins in Blockbuster Trade
The Steelers shocked the NFL world when they acquired Ramsey, Smith and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Dolphins in exchange for Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Their decision to include the three-time first-team All-Pro safety in the deal was due to a perceived decline.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN recently revealed that there have been trade whispers surrounding Fitzpatrick since March, tweeting:
“Minkah Fitzpatrick still a top-10 safety, but evaluators around league have seen some decline, and trade whispers regarding his future first surfaced in March. They’ve seen decline in Ramsey, too, but his versatility becomes valuable — he can play on outside, nickel or safety”
Minkah Fitzpatrick still a top-10 safety, but evaluators around league have seen some decline, and trade whispers regarding his future first surfaced in March.
They’ve seen decline in Ramsey, too, but his versatility becomes valuable — he can play on outside, nickel or safety
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 30, 2025
Pittsburgh’s plan for Ramsey remains unclear; however, Mike Tomlin figures to put him in a great position to succeed, as the head coach has consistently led elite defensive units. The seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback was a key piece of a Dolphins unit that took a significant step forward in 2024.
Miami ranked tenth in scoring defense and fourth in total yards allowed, while ranking 11th as an overall unit, according to PFSN’s Defense+ metric. Ramsey recorded 60 total tackles, 39 of which were solo tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, four quarterback hits, two interceptions, and 11 passes defended.
PFSN’s Defense+ metric ranked the Steelers’ defense as the 12th-best unit in the NFL. Fitzpatrick played a big role in that success as he recorded 96 total tackles, 62 of which were solo tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and four passes defended.
